Long View man appears in court; charged with murder of 20 month old

LONG VIEW, NC (WBTV) - William Howard Lial III appeared in Catawba County court and grimaced as a judge spoke about the charges against him.

A judge told Lial he could face the death penalty or life in prison.

Lial is accused of killing 20 month old Jaydon Sandlin and injuring Jaydon's 3 year old sister Kylie.

Arrest warrants for Lail were released Monday. The warrants state that officers said there was probable cause to believe Lail "unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did intentionally inflict serious physical injury, scalding burns to the buttocks and back of both legs," of the one-year-old child.

The warrants state the 3-year-old girl had scalding burns on her head, shoulders, legs and feet.

There is a small memorial outside the Long View home where Lail was watching the two kids for his girlfriend.

A search warrant posted on the door says Lail attempted CPR but was unsuccessful. Witnesses reported seeing excessive water and white fluid coming from the nose and mouth of little Jaydon.

The report also noted burns on the little boy's body that appeared recent.

Lail was denied bond led away in handcuffs and mouthed "I love you" to his family.

Lail's grandfather told WBTV he believes his grandson is innocent.

Police told WBTV reporter David Spunt that William Lail, 25, has been charged with murder after girlfriend's one-year-old son was found dead.

Lail also faces two counts of first degree child abuse and violating his probation.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.