UPDATE: A Lowndes County jury found James Michael Smith Jr. not guilty of all charges May 8, 2018.

VALDOSTA — A Brooks County man has been charged with murder in the death of 2-year-old Parker Bledsoe.

James Michael Smith, Jr. 31, of 127 Cedar Hill Drive, was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Brooks County Sheriff’s Office at 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

The child was found unresponsive at Smith’s home June 11, and according to authorities it was Smith who called 911.  

The 2-year-old was transported to Shand’s Hospital in Gainesville, Fla., where he later died, officials said.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, an autopsy indicated the case of death was head trauma.

Smith has been charged with murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the first degree.

The accused is being held at the Brooks County Jail and is awaiting a bond hearing, according to GBI Special Agent in Charge Steve Turner.