CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac man was arraigned Friday in relation to the 2016 death of a 2-year-old.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz charged Lance Aaron Reeves, 46, of the 29000 block of Yaw Street in Dowagiac, with one count of open murder homicide, two counts of child abuse in the second degree and one count of child abuse in the third degree.

The charges relate to the death of 2-year-old Savannah Gardner, which occurred in October 2016. Reeves is accused of repeatedly shaking Gardner and causing physical harm to her by
breaking her back, according to the felony complaint filed against Reeves. 

Reeves was arrested on Thursday afternoon at a residence on Rush Lake near Hartford by the 5th District Michigan State Police Fugitive Apprehension Team. This matter has been investigated by the Michigan State Police, Niles Post.

During arraignment, Reeves pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

A probable cause conference has been scheduled in the Cass County District Court for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17. A preliminary examination has been scheduled in the Cass County District Court for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23.