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Funeral Held for 10-month-old Allegedly Sexually Assaulted By Mother's Boyfriend

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A 10-month-old Maryland girl-- who died in West Virginia earlier this month after police say her mother's boyfriend sexually assaulted her --will be laid to rest today.

Benjamin Taylor, 32, of Cottageville, was charged with first-degree murder after baby Emmaleigh died of her injuries at a hospital on October 5, 2016.

A criminal complaint shows the baby had extensive bleeding. The complaint says the injuries indicated a violent sexual assault, as well as shaking or striking of the face.

When deputies went to arrest Taylor, he was seen rubbing his groin area vigorously in an attempt to wipe or rub something, presumably blood from the victim.

Taylor told deputies he took the baby to the basement of an apartment while doing laundry. He said he "blacked out" and didn't know how the baby's injuries occurred.

Amber Lynne Adkins, who contacted WJZ and identified herself as the baby's aunt, said the family moved to West Virginia from Pasadena this past summer.

"She was the most pleasant baby in the world," said Danielle Adkins, cousin of Emmaleigh's mother. "Now that she's gone you can't help but just be angry."

"It wasn't enough that he took her innocence? He had to take her life too?" said Adkins.

To learn how you can help Emmaleigh's family CLICK HERE.

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