FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A lawyer for a man charged with killing his 21-month-old daughter says he is considering pleading not criminally responsible to the charge.

Gary E. Proctor represents 24-year-old Frankie Williams, who is charged with first-degree murder in the March 15 death of Anayah Williams. Williams allegedly told police he had beaten the girl on the night she died.

Proctor said at a hearing Monday in Frederick County Circuit Court he is consulting with a psychiatrist in preparation for the plea. Williams would be evaluated through the state’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The Frederick News-Post reports (http://bit.ly/TbnmDL ) that another hearing is set for July 21.

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Information from: The Frederick (Md.) News-Post, http://www.fredericknewspost.com

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