ROMEO, Mich. – The man charged with causing a 2-year-old Washington Township boy's death has pleaded not guilty to murder and child abuse charges.
Complete with shackles and a full beard 26-year-old Ronald Dimambro walked into a Romeo courtroom for his 2nd arraignment, this time for the death of little Damian Sutton.
Dimambro was arraigned Tuesday on first-degree murder and child abuse charges. Damian's mother, father and other family members filled the courtroom as the judge made sure the man accused of beating and shaking their son would receive no bond.
In court Dimambro's attorney made a point to address his client's growing facial hair stating Dimambro is not allowed to shave in jail due to mental health issues.
That statement was a win for the defense as the judge ordered Dimambro to undergo a competency exam.
Dimambro's attorney, Randy Rodnick, said he wants to make sure mental health issues don't complicate the case.
"My understanding from talking with the family is that bi-polar may be an issue," he said.
Damian died Aug. 27 at Children's Hospital after spending several days in a medically-induced coma.
Dimambro, the boyfriend of the boy's mother, was caring for the toddler at the time he was injured.
Macomb County Sheriff Tony Wickersham says the 26-year-old man called 911 to report Sutton was having an asthma attack. Wickersham said Dimambro later admitted he had shaken the child.
LISTEN: Washington Township 911 call
Dimambro has a criminal history that includes domestic violence and impaired driving.
"It's clearly one of the saddest things I've ever seen," said Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith.