Rysheim Smith’s bail was increased from $50,000 to $250,000 on Monday after the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death of his 6-year-old stepson, Zymere Perkins, a homicide, according to the New York Post.
According to the autopsy report, Zymere died of fatal child-abuse syndrome. He had broken ribs, finger marks around his neck and other injuries all over his body, which was discovered in his Harlem apartment Sept. 26.
According to the Post, Smith, 42, and Zymere’s mother, Geraldine Perkins, 26, are facing one count each of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child, but the charges are expected to be upgraded.
Perkins told authorities that Zymere had repeatedly been beaten with a broomstick, punched and grabbed by his neck by Smith.
Read more at the New York Post.