LOUISVILLE, KY – A Louisville man is being held on a $1 million bond after pleading not guilty Thursday to charges of murder and child abuse connected to the death of his 5-year-old son.

Laron Gardner Jr., 24, appeared for arraignment in Jefferson District Court, marking his first appearance since his arrest one day earlier. Court documents reveal that Gardner faces strict conditions while behind bars, including a prohibition against contacting his 4-year-old daughter.

Prosecutors allege that the child’s sister provided disturbing details to investigators, describing repeated acts of violence by Gardner against her brother and herself. According to police, the girl told officers Gardner kicked, slammed, and bit her brother before allegedly pushing him down a flight of stairs. She also stated that Gardner kicked her while she was lying on the floor.

Gardner remains in custody at Louisville Metro Corrections as he awaits a preliminary hearing set for September 15.

Emergency responders were called to a home in the 2900 block of Conestoga Avenue on the afternoon of September 2 after a report of an unconscious child. Detectives said the severity of the boy’s injuries became immediately apparent on the scene.

Gardner initially claimed his son’s injuries resulted from a fall down the stairs. However, EMS workers relayed concerns that the child’s condition did not correspond with falling injuries and indicated possible foul play.

Following initial assessment, the 5-year-old was transported to Norton Children’s Hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

As detectives with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Homicide Unit took over the investigation, a forensic medical examination revealed the young victim had sustained multiple serious injuries to various parts of his body. Authorities determined the trauma was not accidental but consistent with a violent assault.

Additional details about the child’s identity are being withheld until all family members are notified, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Gardner remains held as the investigation continues. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison.