Prosecutor: Man Exhibited 'Pure Rage' In Toddler Killing

INDIANAPOLIS -- Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi sounded off Tuesday on a case that has evoked anger and rage in the community.

Lilianna Goodmann, 15 months, died Friday after enduring a prolonged, vicious beating at the hands of her mother's boyfriend, Tayuan Chism, 18, police said.

First-degree murder charges were filed against Chism Tuesday, a day after prosecutors asked for a 72-hour hold as Chism made his first court appearance.

"This is someone who was acting out of pure rage and literally beating an infant to death over the course of 90 minutes to two hours, striking her 50 times with a belt buckle," Brizzi said.

The alleged beating happened on Wednesday in the presence of the toddler's mother, Rachel Goodmann, and two other adults.

Brizzi said none of those people intervened, although Rachel Goodmann -- who is 14 weeks pregnant -- was also beaten, police said.

Prosecutors are considering charges against the other adults, but are focusing on Chism.

"We all have a responsibility to protect innocent lives, and there were people in the room who -- there was a working phone in the house -- they could have called 911," Brizzi said. "I'm sure somebody had a cell phone. I'm sure somebody could have left the apartment. Maybe Lilianna would still be with us."

Brizzi said he may want to use the other people in the home as witnesses, which is why he is reluctant to charge them.

Chism is due back in court on Wednesday morning.