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ROY — A man charged with first-degree felony child abuse in connection with the death of his 2-year-old stepdaughter turned himself in at the Weber County jail Sunday rather pay an increased bail of $200,000 to remain out of custody.
Prosecutors had argued that the increased bail was appropriate for Robert Glen Abbott, 31, given the circumstances of the case involving the death of a young child. His defense team unsuccessfully objected.
Abbott was arrested Sept. 9 after Roy police officers were called to 1962 W. 4700 South, No. 2, for an unknown problem. When they arrived, they found Hailey Byrne dead. During the investigation, the victim's sister told officers she saw her stepfather push the little girl's face into a pillow, said Anna Bond, a spokeswoman for Roy police.
Abbott told officers he had pushed and held the girl's face into a pillow nine to 10 times over the course of two to three minutes to keep her from crying, Bond said.
He was booked into jail at that time with bail set at $20,000. He posted that amount and was released.
A subsequent bail hearing held in 2nd District Court resulted in Judge Ernie Jones bumping the bail to $200,000. He gave Abbott until Sunday to pay the amount or turn himself in.
In the meantime, Abbott's public defenders have requested a continuance of the preliminary hearing for several weeks to compile information.
Another court appearance is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
Email:aodonoghue@ksl.com
