Man faces murder charge for death of baby

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NORRISTOWN, Pa., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia-area man was charged Tuesday with third-degree murder in the death of his baby daughter in what he says was a drunken accident.

Bail was set at $1 million for Edward J. Doyle, 28, of Hatboro, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. He was originally charged with endangering the welfare of a child when he was arrested Sunday.

In addition to the murder charge, Doyle was charged with giving false information to authorities.

Doyle told police he tripped Saturday night as he moved the baby out of a child swing, investigators said. He admitted drinking a total of six pints of beer at the Willow Grove American Legion hall before returning home.

He said he did not realize he had injured the baby, Makayla. Police were called to the home at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

"It's a very unfortunate event," his lawyer, Robert P. Hoopes, said. "It's an accident and I think that the outcome of the trial everyone will know it."