Murder suspect: Hit placed on my life

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Jose Cruz, the man accused of beating a 3-year-old girl to death , was officially charged with murder Friday morning.

24-Hour News 8 was in court as the murder charge was read.

Following the reading of the charge, Cruz spoke to the judge, saying, “I was told in jail I have one week to live. A hit has been put on me."

The judge responded that because Cruz had previously been placed in solitary, "that takes care of that,” meaning other inmates would not have access to Cruz.

The Marion County Prosecutors Office released a more detailed charging document Friday morning.

According to the documents, Cruz told police on Tuesday that he became irate after his girlfriend’s daughter, 3-year-old Carmen, went to the bathroom in her pants.

He said he began to strike her repeatedly and continued even after she lost consciousness.

Carmen died the next day.

One question that remains is whether Carmen's mother, Samantha Ellis, will be charged.

Samantha admitted in court documents that she knew Jose was abusing Carmen.

She said she was afraid that if she took Carmen to the hospital, Jose would be mad and take it out on her.

Cruz is being held in isolation on no bond.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 14.