BENTONVILLE — Michael Proffitt Jr. pleaded not guilty Monday to murdering an 11-month-old boy at a Rogers motel last month.

Proffitt, 37, is accused of killing the infant May 30 while watching the child for his stepson and his stepson’s fiancee.

The four, including the child, were living at the 8th Street Motel in Rogers after being evicted from their apartment. The child’s mother, Chantel Martinez, 23, told police she noticed bruising on her son when she left him with Proffitt in the past, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Dr. Frank Peretti with the Arkansas State Crime Lab reported the child suffered a skull fracture on the back of his head, blunt force head injuries and numerous bruises on his face, neck and head.

Proffitt initially told police the child fell off a bed, according to the affidavit. He subsequently said the infant fell from his bassinet, and he shook the baby and hit his head on a dresser, according to the affidavit.

Proffitt was ordered to be held in the Benton County Jail without bond June 6. Two attorneys from Fayetteville have been appointed to represent him on the capital murder charges, according to Van Stone, Benton County prosecutor.

Circuit Judge Robin Green set Proffitt’s next court appearance for an omnibus hearing Aug. 6.

Proffitt has a history of criminal activity dating to an assault on a family member in 2005 in Dallas. Other charges include larceny, destruction of property, stealing and a failure to appear charge from Springdale in January, according to the affidavit.