Trial set for Arkansas man in death of girlfriend’s son

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PARIS, Ark. (AP)   A trial date has been set for a Logan County man charged with killing his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that 28-year-old Ricky Carter will stand trial starting June 24 in Logan County Circuit Court in Paris.

Carter has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and arson charges in the Dec. 21, 2017, death of Ryatt Reese.

Court records say Carter told police he pulled the boy by the legs and the child fell backward and hit his head on the floor. Carter said after efforts to revive the boy failed, he turned on the gas in the home and later lit a cigarette lighter, causing an explosion and fire.

An autopsy found the child died of traumatic injuries to his head and abdomen.

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