Special to the Star-Bulletin
Michael Bentosino pleaded not guilty to charges that
he killed his daughter, Tori, pictured here with the
baby's mother, Nanette Arigo.

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Dad pleads not guilty
in death of infant

Doctors say the injuries were consistent
with those of a shaken baby

Star-Bulletin staff

The father of a 4-month-old Waipahu girl, who suffered a skull fracture and injuries doctors say were consistent with being shaken, pleaded not guilty today in Circuit Court.

Michael Bentosino, 43, will go to trial on second-degree murder charges the week of Oct. 25.

Bentosino has denied shaking the infant but told police and doctors that Tori Bentosino threw herself out of his grasp as he was holding her and trying to make a bottle at the same time. The infant struck her head on a ceramic counter and landed on the floor, he said.

Dr. Bani Win, deputy medical examiner, has said that a child falling from a flight of stairs would not have sustained the injuries Tori suffered.

The infant was declared brain dead at Kapiolani Hospital Aug. 2. Her mother, Nanette Arigo, has denied shaking her baby or causing her injuries.

Bentosino is free until trial after posting $100,000 bail.