Authorities in Georgia have disclosed the tragic cause of death for a 6-month-old infant found dead on Tuesday in Clayton County.

In a Friday news conference, as reported by Atlanta’s Channel 2 Action News, officials stated that NnAkai Pratt succumbed to blunt force trauma. These findings have shifted the investigation’s focus onto the child’s father, Antonio Pearce, who is believed to have inflicted the fatal injuries before concealing the body in Riverdale.

Antonio Pearce, aged 38, now faces a slew of charges, including murder, cruelty to children, aggravated assault and battery, tampering with evidence, concealment of death, unlawful disposal of a body, as well as false statements and false reporting. Initially, Pearce claimed the infant was abducted at gunpoint during a purported robbery on Sunday.

However, Clayton County investigators have uncovered evidence that contradicts Pearce’s story, leading to his arrest and the disturbing charges against him.

Pearce, 38, initially claimed the baby had been taken at gunpoint on Sunday, during a robbery. Clayton County investigators, however, said they found information that contradicted his claims.

On Tuesday, police found the body in a trash bag, in the wooded area near where Pearce had reported the supposed robbery, WANF said.

Initial reports indicated that police had found the child’s body in a dumpster. Police later said he had been found in the backyard of a home off Green Valley Road.

NnAkai’s mother, Necolette Pratt, was arrested after police said she helped Pearce cover up from the crime. She’s facing charges that include obstructing an officer, false statements, and party to the commission of a crime.

Both defendants remain behind bars without bail. Check back for updates.