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Father Accused of Dropping Child Over Bridge Due in Court

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - The father accused of throwing his 5-year-old daughter to her death from a Pinellas County bridge is due in court.

John Jonchuck is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Police say 5-year-old Phoebe Jonchuck was likely alive when her father dropped her over a bridge railing, sending her into the waters of Florida's Tampa Bay.

Jonchuck had a first appearance in court on Thursday. When a judge asked him if he wanted a court-appointed attorney, Jonchuck said he wanted to "leave it in the hands of God."

Jonchuck was ordered to return to court on Monday following a mental health evaluation.

Friends and family held a candlelight vigil Saturday night for Phoebe.

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