Joplin man pleads not guilty to abuse that led to death of 3-year-old

Leonard Valdez, 21, Joplin, waived his arraignment this morning and pleaded not guilty to felony child abuse in connection with the death of three-year-old Jonathan Munoz-Bilbrey.

The probable cause statement said the boy suffered head injuries, bruises and a laceration when he was brought to Mercy Hospital November 10. The boy died November 12 at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

The next hearing will be held 9 a.m. December 13. Valdez is being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $150,000 cash only bond.