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Man seeks new trial in case of child’s death

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March 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A man found guilty last month of manslaughter — but acquitted of a more serious murder charge — in the death of a toddler is seeking a new trial. The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil reports that an attorney for 22-year-old Javon Jennings filed the motion Saturday.

A jury found Jennings guilty on Feb. 15 of manslaughter and child endangerment in the April death 16-month-old Jazlynn Harshbarger. An autopsy showed had suffered numerous injuries and died of blunt force trauma. Prosecutors say Jennings was supposed to be babysitting the girl, who was the daughter of his live-in girlfriend.

Jennings’ attorney, Christopher Roth, said in the motion that Jennings’ trial was unfair and that there was insufficient evidence to convict him.