Jury Selection Begins Tuesday: Hemet Man Accused of Fatally Beating Daughter

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday for the trial of a Hemet man accused of fatally beating his 3-month-old daughter three years ago, according to court and inmate records.

Jason Harley Moore, 34, could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of assault on a child resulting in death. He is accused of inflicting major head trauma to his daughter, Charlotte, in July 2010.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Timothy Freer is expected to rule on any remaining pretrial motions in the case at the Southwest Justice Center the morning of Oct. 14, followed by jury selection in the afternoon. Opening statements could begin before week's end.

Moore remained locked up Monday and his bail was $1 million bail, according to inmate records.

During a 2011 preliminary hearing, prosecutors contended that on the afternoon of July 27, 2010, Moore called 911 saying his daughter had stopped breathing. The defendant performed CPR on the girl until paramedics arrived and were able to revive her.

Charlotte was taken to Hemet Valley Medical Center, where doctors immediately realized she needed acute treatment and had her airlifted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where she clung to life until Aug. 5, 2010.

Dr. Mark Massi, the surgeon who treated the child, testified she had a linear skull fracture that caused internal bleeding and brain swelling.

Deputy District Attorney Jess Walsh said Moore described two scenarios of what happened to Charlotte.

In one interview, the defendant said that while he was showering, the baby rolled off a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom of his and his wife's duplex. Moore told authorities he had left the 3-month-old "on the middle of the bed, surrounded by pillows," Walsh said.

Under questioning a second time, he said he left Charlotte lying on the
corner of the bed while he was showering.

"He said he heard a scream and found her on the floor," Walsh said.

The baby's mother, Charlotte Moore, was working when the injury occurred. Walsh said it was customary for the defendant to watch his baby daughter and his wife's two small children from a previous marriage while she was at work.

Moore has no felony convictions in Riverside County, according to court records.

Reported by City News Service