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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Man Charged With Raping, Killing Child

Associated Press

A 30-year-old Kalispell man was charged Monday with raping and killing his girlfriend’s 17-month-old daughter.

Rodney W. Weaver also was charged with assault and sexual assault. Justice of the Peace Stewart Stadler ordered him held without bond.

An affidavit supporting the charges said Weaver was babysitting Chelsea Britton while her mother, Corinna Smith, was at work. He is accused of repeatedly hitting the toddler, throwing her around the trailer, raping her and then drowning her. He called 911 at 6:25 p.m. Sunday, saying the child had drowned.

Deputy Coroner Ed Corrigan said the child’s body was taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy.

County Attorney Tom Esch said the assault and sexual assault charges were based on actions that allegedly occurred between June 1 and Sept. 21.

Officials said Weaver has a prior conviction for sexually abusing children in California.