Man arrested with felony count of murder for the death of 14-month-old in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Kenneth Johnson was all dressed up in a suit Wednesday for his latest mugshot. He thought he was showing up for an unrelated child custody matter. Until he saw some familiar faces in the courthouse, homicide detectives he knows well.

"He decided to leave the courthouse and at that time our investigators got in their car. They began to circulate the area," said Lt. Dave Madrigal.

After a short search, he was found near a bus stop and arrested. Detectives say they now have the evidence they need to support a murder charge against him. Police say he admitted to punching 14- month-old Jose Luis Espinoza. But even the confession was not enough. Officers needed extensive medical findings for the district attorney to file the charge.

"Even though somebody says something, we have to have that medical examination and that proof that will corroborate that person's statement."

When he was released from jail one year ago after charges were dropped- Johnson did not have a whole lot to say.

"I just apologize for the situation. I just don't know right now."

Detectives say Johnson fatally injured the child that his girlfriend had been babysitting. It is unclear if he lost his temper or what happened that led to the violence.

The baby's mother said Luis was happy and healthy until the day he was hit or beaten.