Murder charge filed in toddler's death

A Silver Springs man has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old son.

Cody Brian Wallace, 23, has been in custody since his arrest Nov. 28 in the death of Thomas O'Connell IV.

Wallace was allegedly alone with the little boy on Nov. 23 when the child stopped breathing. Thomas was taken to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center then transferred to a Reno trauma center, where he died.

According to the criminal complaint filed Wednesday, Wallace stands accused of killing Thomas by beating him while the child's mother was out shopping.

"Defendant in perpetration of child abuse ... did cause bruising in the ears, marks on the buttocks, multiple injuries to the forehead and blunt force trauma to the head of Thomas ... resulting in mortal injury and causing death," the complaint states.

Wallace also is charged with child abuse, neglect or endangerment.

The complaint alleges that between Oct. 22 and Nov. 23, Wallace caused the toddler to "suffer unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering."

Wallace will make his first appearance in Walker River Justice Court on Thursday. He is being held on $75,000 bail.