A 46-year-old southwestern Michigan man has been charged with murder in connection with the 2016 death of his 2-year-old stepdaughter.

Lance Reeves was denied bond by a Cass County judge Friday during the Dowagiac man’s arraignment on charges of open murder and child abuse. The judge entered a not guilty plea for Reeves.

It wasn’t immediately clear if he has an attorney.

Authorities say a witness accused Reeves of violently shaking Savannah Gardner in October 2016, breaking her back.

His next hearing is scheduled for Jan 17.