The Iowa Department of Public Safety report a Pacific Junction man, 22-year old Colby Puckett, was arrested today (Friday), and charged with 1st Degree Murder in connection with the death of 13 month old Aliyanna May.

Colby Puckett (DPS photo)

Investigators determined that Puckett was the only adult with Aliyanna at the time she sustained injuries to her head and eyes.  Puckett is currently being held at the Mills County Jail.  His bond has been set at $1-million dollars.

Officials say at around 11-a.m. on Feb. 1st, the Mills County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child located at 1101 Lincoln Avenue, Pacific Junction, Iowa.  Upon arrival, EMS personnel determined that Aliyanna needed immediate medical attention and she was transported to University Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, Nebraska by medical helicopter.  Aliyanna was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit once medical personnel determined that she had extensive injuries to her eyes and brain.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation once they were advised by UNMC medical staff that Aliyanna’s injuries were likely the result of abusive head trauma.

Aliyanna May died February 2nd at UNMC,as a direct result of her injuries.  An autopsy was conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office on Sunday, February 3, 2013.  The State Medical Examiner determined Aliyanna’s death was the result of the head injuries she had sustained.  Her death was ruled a homicide.

The investigation into Aliyanna’s death is being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Mills County Attorney’s Office.

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(A copy of the compliant and affidavit can be found here: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2013/Puckett_MurderComplaint.pdf)