SKOWHEGAN -- A 23-year-old Skowhegan man accused of causing the death of his infant daughter pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in Somerset County Superior Court Monday afternoon.

Attorney Arnold Clark entered the plea for his client.

Mika Mitchell didn't speak during his short appearance, which was attended by his father, Wayne Mitchell, and Tasha Lewis, mother of the child.

Before the appearance, Lewis said she wanted to make it clear that she did not support Mitchell or condone his actions.

Pandora, born Jan. 30, of 2008, was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor by LifeFlight on March 3 with bruising on her forehead, buttocks, cheeks and a black eye, according to court documents.

The injuries apparently occurred when Mitchell was alone with the baby, according to court documents.

An affidavit dated March 10, and signed by Probation Officer Michael Pike, says Mitchell told a state police detective he had caused harm to Pandora that resulted in her death.