VALDOSTA — A man recently arrested for his alleged involvement in the death of his girlfriend’s baby is maintaining his innocence in the case.

“There was no crime,” Attorney Charles A. Wetherington said on behalf of his client, Brandon Lee Thompson, who is charged with felony murder and cruelty to children in connection with the death of 2-year-old Abriana Thomas. “In no way did Brandon intentionally hurt this child.”

Wetherington contends that Thompson had nothing to do with Thomas’ death and described the suspect as a loving father. Thompson lived with his girlfriend, Amanda, in Lake Park with her three small children, as well as his two small sons, both of whom he was awarded full custody of in a divorce proceeding, Wetherington said.

“On the night of the tragic accident, the family ordered pizza and Amanda left to pick it up with Brandon’s 2-year-old son,” Wetherington explained. “Brandon remained at home with the four other children watching television.”

Wetherington said that Abriana had to “go potty,” so she walked down the hall to use the bathroom.

“Moments later, Brandon said he heard a large thud from the bathroom. He went into the bathroom and found her lying on the floor. He tried to pick her up and there was no response. He then realized something had gone tragically wrong.”

Wetherington said that Brandon then called 911. He stayed on the phone and followed directions until emergency medical services arrived. Amanda returned home around the same time that EMS arrived.

“It is my understanding that Brandon and Amanda were forbidden to follow the ambulance to the hospital,” Wetherington said. “They gave statements that night, and again when they went to see Abriana in Gainesville the next day. Since the accident, they have done everything they were requested to do by law enforcement and DFCS (Division of Family and Children Services). Brandon even allowed law enforcement in their home to take photographs, and he reenacted everything that happened that night.”

Despite his cooperation, Wetherington said, Thompson was still charged. The other children who lived in the house have also been taken by DFCS.

“Their kids have been placed with strangers despite the fact that both of them have family in the area,” Wetherington said. “We don’t think that is right.”

“These people’s lives are in turmoil right now. Brandon is devastated by this event. He loves Amanda and he loved Abriana and would not have harmed her. The fact that he had custody of two children of his own and was raising those boys shows that he is a capable and loving parent.”

Wetherington added that while he respects the state agencies for doing their jobs, there is a presumption of innocence and one should not rush to judgment.

In response to the Wetherington’s stance that Thompson is innocent, Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Prine said that evidence collected during the investigation shows otherwise.

“The arrest was made based on testimony from witnesses and the pathology report from the crime lab in Atlanta,” Prine said. “The incident remains under investigation.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, emergency medical services were dispatched to 5200 Sequani Circle in Lake Park to find Thomas unresponsive, according to a press release from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.