Granville County father charged with murder after 5-month-old daughter dies, deputies say

OXFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Granville County father is facing a murder charge after deputies say his 5-month-old daughter died from injuries believed to be caused by abuse.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies and EMS responded May 10 to a home on Pocomoke Drive in Franklinton after reports of an unresponsive infant.

The baby was taken to a hospital, where medical staff were able to revive her. However, she remained on life support due to the severity of her injuries.

Investigators later determined the child had suffered multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse. Deputies said the infant was in the sole care of her father, identified as John Wheeler, at the time the injuries happened.

Authorities said detectives attempted multiple times to interview Wheeler during the investigation.

Wheeler, 34, was initially charged with felony child abuse. After the child died on May 16, he was additionally charged with second-degree murder.

The Granville County Sheriff's Office said the case remains under investigation.

Wheeler made his first court appearance Tuesday and is being held without bond.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Granville County Sheriff's Office.