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SMITHFIELD, N.C. – The man charged with beating and torturing a little girl showed no emotion when he went before a judge Tuesday on first degree murder charges.

Teghan Skiba, 4, died at UNC hospital Monday night. In addition to felony child abuse, Jonathan Richardson, 21, can now face the death penalty for a first degree murder charge. Richardson initially told authorities the girl fell off the bed but search warrants reveal a different story.

“Things like this aren't supposed to happen to children,” said Sheriff Steve Bizzell, of Johnston County. “Jonathan Richardson lived in a barn behind his grandparents residence and the mother of this child knew the living conditions there before she left the child there to go to New Mexico for training.”

The warrants also show Richardson told authorities he was "bipolar and little things set him off." Among the items seized by authorities include:
• ammunition
• a condom wrapper
• a 12-gauge shotgun
• two belts
• duct tape.

“We also seized the truck that Jonathan Richardson used to transport the child in from the barn over to Johnston Medical Center,” said Bizzell.

The investigation continues and authorities said they're looking at anyone that may have played a role in the death of a helpless four year old girl. Richardson has been appointed an attorney and will remain in the Johnston County jail without bond. Richardson has another court appearance on August 5.

There is still no confirmation on Teghan's mother, Helen Reyes, but authorities believe she is staying with her mother in Raleigh.