A judge on Tuesday declared a mistrial after 2½ days of deliberations in Newark. A new trial date is set for July 8.
Travis Hartsfield Jr. was caring for the toddler at their home in 2011 when he told police he punched the girl twice in the stomach when she wouldn't eat. He found her cold and not breathing hours later.
An autopsy determined the girl died from a severed liver caused by blunt force trauma.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office tells The Star-Ledger of Newark it will prepare for the next trial.
