Del City Police Arrest Man Accused Of Killing Toddler

A man accused of abusing and killing a child is sitting in jail and could be charged with first-degree murder.

Del City police say 22-month-old Nkya Cardile died Tuesday at a hospital. Police were called Monday afternoon to the Willow Park Apartment Complex near Kristie and South Sooner. They said the girl was unresponsive and had obvious signs of abuse.

She was taken to the hospital, where she died the next morning.

"The child had head and trunk injuries that were significant. Again, I can't go into details other than to say they were significant injuries," said Sheree Powell, spokesperson for the Department of Human Services.

Police arrested 34-year-old Roderick Jackson, the boyfriend of the child's mother. Police say Jackson did go to a neighbor's apartment for help. The two tried to revive the unconscious child, but could not do it. That's when the two of them called 911 for help.

Jackson is currently in the Oklahoma County jail. He has a lengthy criminal background and has spent time in prison for both assault and battery and domestic abuse.

Police told News 9 they have no reason to believe anyone else was involved in the baby's death. The baby's mother has only been named as a witness.