Man accused of killing 2-day-old daughter, baby’s mother pleads not guilty

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man accused of killing a 27-year-old woman and throwing their 2-day-old daughter into the Mississippi River last week pleaded not guilty Monday to murder and other charges, WHBQ-TV reported.

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Authorities booked Brandon Rashad Isabelle, 25, into jail last week on two counts of first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of an aggravated kidnapping and tampering with or fabricating evidence, according to police. Isabelle stands accused of shooting Danielle Hoyle, 27, to death and killing their newborn child, Kennedy Hoyle, WHBQ reported.

Isabelle’s attorney, Lauren Fuchs, told WHBQ that her client pleaded not guilty to charges during his first court appearance Monday.

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The news station reported that investigators believe Isabelle lured Danielle Hoyle to the area where authorities found her dead of a gunshot wound to the head late on Tuesday night. Officials said she was found on the side of the road near an abandoned car that had its driver’s side window broken out, WHBQ reported.

Following the discovery, police spoke to Danielle Hoyle’s family members, who said that they hadn’t heard from her since she left with her 2-day-old daughter earlier in the day, according to WHBQ. Officials launched a search for the girl, though investigators later said that she is presumed dead, the news station reported.

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Police said Isabelle admitted to shooting Danielle Hoyle before taking their 2-day-old daughter to Island Park and the Upper Mud Island Boat Ramp and tossing her into the water, WHBQ reported, citing a police affidavit. Authorities said he claimed to have thrown the gun used to shoot Danielle Hoyle into the Mississippi River, according to the news station.

Authorities continue to investigate.

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