Dominick Calhoun – a blonde-haired, blue-eyed 4-year-old remembered for his bright personality - was discovered moaning, almost dead, lying on the floor when police arrived on scene on April 11, 2010. Little Dominick died the next day.
Argentine Township patrol officer Angelo Panos told a St. Clair County jury panel Thursday morning what he saw that day in vivid testimony against Brandon Hayes, the man accused of fatally beating the boy.
Hayes’ trial was moved to St. Clair County from Genesee County, after attorneys couldn’t find an impartial jury.
According to his testimony, Panos followed Rick Calhoun, Dominick's grandfather, to the Argentine Township apartment where Dominick lived with his mom, Corrine Baker, her boyfriend, Brandon Hayes, and his brother, Tyler. Panos said he found Dominick with bruises all over his body, breathing slowly.
Prosecutors said the abuse happened over a four-day period that started with a fight between Hayes and Baker that quickly escalated. Hayes allegedly kicked and beat Dominick until he was found unconscious the day Officer Panos came to the apartment.
Hayes faces 10 criminal counts - including 1st degree murder, child abuse, and possession of marijuana.
In her opening statement, Genesee Co. Assistant Prosecutor Tammy Phillips said she'll prove Brandon Hayes beat and intended to kill Dominick Calhoun.
The defense declined to make an opening statement. Trial resumes Monday.
