THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — A 24-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to a negligent homicide charge stemming from the death of his girlfriend's 20-month-old son.

Emmanuel Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison if he is convicted of the charge. Hernandez entered his plea on Friday in a Lafourche Parish state court.

Hernandez was living with his girlfriend in Cut Off when the child was taken to a hospital with breathing problems on May 15. The toddler died several days later.

The Courier reports that doctors told investigators the child's injuries were consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Hernandez is being held at the Lafourche Parish jail on $1 million bond. He has a pretrial hearing scheduled for Oct. 15.

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