Police: Baby Beat To Death On Shinnecock Reservation

NEW YORK (1010WINS) -- A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a baby Sunday night on Long Island's Shinnecock Indian Reservation.

Pedro Jones, 20, was babysitting 17-month-old Roy Jones when he allegedly struck the child several times with closed fists and grabbed him by the neck, police say.

Officials says Jones told police that he was "trying to make him act like a boy instead of a little girl."

The baby was found in cardiac arrest and was rushed to Southampton Hospital where he died around 8:30 p.m.

The baby's family lashed out at Jones at his arraignment Monday calling him a "pig."

"He stole the life of a child," Daniel Collins, the boy's grandfather said. "I hope the justice system turns around and steals his."

Jones, who is not a member of the Shinnecock nation, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter.

"It's a tragedy," a spokeswoman for the tribe said. "We're in mourning."

Police say Jones is the boyfriend of the baby's mother.