Man Charged In Beating Death Of Girl

A 22-month-old girl died Thursday after being severely beaten, and authorities have lodged a first-degree murder charge against the boyfriend of the child’s mother.

Doctors at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center said Nichole Hoover had suffered multiple broken ribs, brain hemorrhaging and extensive bruising.

Douglas C. Carlson, 26, of Rigby, who was free pending sentencing on a felony drug charge, was taken into custody about 90 minutes before the child was declared dead and then immediately charged with murder.

Detective Ken Brown said Carlson had cooperated with police and given them a statement.

Police said Carlson was babysitting Nichole for his girlfriend, Evelyn Hoover, while she took her 3-year-old daughter to a preschool appointment. Evelyn Hoover had separated from her husband, Jon, four months ago, officials said. Carlson was also separated from his wife, Tammy.

When Evelyn Hoover returned, Carlson told her Nichole was asleep, according to Hoover’s estranged husband.