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Court documents show man tried to strangle, drown 3-year-old

WORCESTER, Mass. — New court documents show an uncle charged with trying to kill his 3-year-old nephew strangled and attempted to drown him.

FOX25's Kathryn Burcham obtained those records that outline the frightening moments before police arrived at the boy's home in Worcester Thursday.

In the police statement of facts, it says Taj McDonald intentionally tried to kill his nephew, though there are questions about McDonald's state of mind as that alleged assault was unfolding.

McDonald was subdued as he stood shackled before a judge in Worcester court.

His attorney says he's scared.

"He's in an emotional state right now, he's somewhat frightened, not sure what's happening," attorney Tom Vukmirovits said.

It all started Thursday, police say, when McDonald called 911 from inside his apartment where he was babysitting his nephew.

In new court documents, police say McDonald admitted to "strangling that little boy until he became unconscious," and then tried "drowning him in the bathtub."

Police say McDonald also admittedly "pushed his nephew down the stairs."

Perhaps that's why McDonald told 911 dispatchers his nephew was dead, according to police.

"Certainly the facts as you know them and I know them raise some concern," Vukmirovits said.

McDonald's attorney says his client has a history of mental health issues and needs to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to ascertain if McDonald even understands his alleged actions.

The judge agreed, ordering McDonald to be held at Bridgewater State Hospital until his next appearance.

We're told the 3-year-old remains in stable condition, his family was not in court and no one answered the door when we went to their house.

The Department of Children and Families has joined the police investigation, but could not say if the family has a history with the department.