A Manhattan judge increased Rysheim Smith’s bail to $250,000 from $50,000 Monday at the behest of prosecutors who cited little Zymere Perkins’ recent autopsy report.
Assistant District Attorney Kerry O’Connell said that the ME’s office found that Zymere died of fatal child abuse syndrome. He had finger marks around his neck, broken ribs and other injuries all over his body, the criminal complaint states.
She added that Smith, who entered the courtroom clutching a Bible, told friends in intercepted jail calls that he planned to flee to Massachusetts if he made bail.
Currently, Smith, 42, and the child’s mother, Geraldine Perkins, 26, each face one count of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child, but the charges will likely be upgraded.
The boy’s bruised and battered body was discovered Sept. 26 in his West 135th Street apartment.
His mother told authorities that Smith had repeatedly beaten Zymere with a broomstick, punched him and grabbed him by his neck.
Little Zymere’s death has spurred an investigation into ACS for failing to protect the child despite numerous abuse allegations.
Defense lawyer Norman Williams said Smith “planned to fight the charges.”