CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A Pemiscot County man now faces murder charges for allegedly causing the death of his girlfriend's toddler.

An amended complaint was recently filed by Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Hazel, on the charges against the Pascola, Mo., man in connection with the death of the 2-year-old girl.

Matthew Dylon Taylor, who was already charged with assault in the first degree for allegedly striking Lillian Fowler, 2, has now also been charged with murder in the second degree, according to the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department.

Joanie Fowler

Fowler was airlifted to Lebonheur's Hospital on Sept. 30 for injuries she received at a residence located north of Pascola. Police allege Fowler struck the child twice in the face, causing serious injuries. She was pronounced dead on Oct. 1. Autopsy results revealed that Fowler died as a result of head trauma, the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department reported.

Fowler's mother, Joanie Fowler, 21, has also been charged in the case with endangering the welfare of a child.