Man accused of killing newborn denied bond in brief court appearance

Christopher McNabb appeared briefly in court Thursday morning, but will remain in the Newton County jail without bond.

Christopher McNabb appeared briefly in court Thursday morning, but will remain in the Newton County jail without bond.

He held his down as he listened to the charges against him. Within three minutes, Christopher McNabb was led out of a Newton County courtroom and back to the jail, where he’ll remain without bond.

McNabb made his first court appearance Thursday morning, one day after being charged with murder in the death of his 15-day-old daughter. Baby Caliyah was found dead Sunday in the woods behind her home.

On Wednesday, McNabb was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery and concealing a death, Capt. Keith Crum with the Newton Sheriff's Office said.

McNabb is accused of killing the baby inside the home by striking her in the head, according to investigators. Then, he allegedly wrapped her in a blanket and T-shirt, put her in a bag and attempted to hide her under debris, arrest warrants said.

Caliyah’s mother, Cortney Bell, called 911 Saturday morning to report the baby missing. Bell had fed the baby at 5 a.m. before falling asleep on the couch, she told the 911 operator. When she woke up, her 2-year-old daughter told her the baby was missing.