BLOOMINGTON -- The defense lawyer for a Decatur man charged with the murder of a Bloomington toddler two years ago is continuing to gather coroner and medical reports.

Franklin Byers III, 25, was in McLean County Circuit Court Friday with his lawyer, Steve Skelton, for a hearing on charges that he caused the death of 20-month-old Aaron O'Brien Ishmael in October 2007.

"It's a laborious process getting information from the coroner's office and St. Francis (Medical Center)," said Skelton.

The child died of head injuries that prosecutors contend were caused by Byers, who previously lived with the child's mother in Bloomington. A court services report indicates that Byers is following pre-trial release rules by attending college and working. He was released on $75,000 bond.

A Feb. 8 jury trial remains set in the case.