Man arrested in death of child

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

Michael C. Huff, of Whitley City, was arrested Tuesday evening in connection with the death of a two-year old child following an alleged assault on Sunday.
The Kentucky State Police reports Huff, 27, was taken into custody around 6:00 p.m. and charged with Assault 1st Degree and lodged in the Leslie County Detention Center. Additional charges most likely will be levied against Huff as the investigation continues and an autopsy is performed. According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling the warrant for Huff’s arrest was issued prior to the death of the toddler, leading to the initial charge of assault.
The case began Sunday evening after the initial call came in to McCreary 911 around 7:00 p.m. and indicated a young child was possibly choking at a residence on Jennys Branch Road. The child was transported to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Medical officials contacted KSP, who began the investigation after indications the child possibly had been assaulted were discovered.
The child was transported that evening to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for further treatment, but unfortunately passed away Tuesday. Her remains have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
Trooper Harrison Wells is conducting the investigation and was assisted by members of the KSP, McCreary County and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fayette County Coroner.
Huff was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning in McCreary County District Court.