A UAB Health Systems employee is charged with capital murder after authorities say he fatally struck his girlfriend's 3-year-old son in the chest while at work early Sunday.

The blow caused Israel Owens' heart to tear, and he was dead within three to five minutes, said Birmingham police homicide Sgt. Scott Thurmond.

Marcus Smith, 36, was questioned by detectives this morning and then charged in Israel's slaying. He was awaiting transfer to the Jefferson County Jail where he is being held without bond.

Smith lived with Israel and his mother in northern Birmingham.

Thurmond said the slaying happened between 1:40 a.m. and 2:36 a.m. Sunday at the UAB Health Information Management Department at UAB Hospital on Sixth Avenue South.

Smith, who works in medical records, took Israel to work with him because the Israel's mother was also at work, police said.

He struck the child, who then fell unconscious. Rescue workers were unable to revive Israel. He was pronounced dead at Children's Hospital at 2:36 a.m., according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

An autopsy on Monday revealed the tear to his heart, Thurmond said. The examination also showed signs of prior abuse to the boy.

Clinton Colmenares, director of media relations at UAB, declined comment.

Israel is Birmingham's 42nd homicide this year, compared to 48 at the same time last year.

"It's a sad indictment when a child is not free from assault in the family environment," said Birmingham Deputy Chief Herman Hinton. "This poor child never had a chance. But we will make sure that his voice is heard and justice is served."

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