A Cincinnatus man has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a 16-month-old boy. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department has arrested Jason Sherman, 24, for first degree manslaughter and assault in connection with the death of a 16-month-old child, Marshal Lee Barber, on Nov. 10, 2006.

Investigators say Sherman, who was the live-in boyfriend of the child’s mother, killed the infant by striking him, apparently in an attempt to discipline the toddler. The assault caused a lethal blunt head trauma to the infant, who died hours later. Police also said they suspect a longer history of abuse.