Police: Mother killed toddler because he wouldn't eat, listen

BRIDGETON, N.J. (AP) - A mother accused of killing her toddler son told police she struck the boy because he wouldn't "eat nor listen to her," according to legal papers filed in the case.

Nakira Griner is charged with murder and other counts in the death of her 23-month-old son, Daniel Griner Jr.

Cumberland County prosecutors have said the Bridgeton woman initially reported that her son had been abducted Friday night. A child abduction response team began a search aided by city and state police, prosecutors and bloodhounds from New Jersey park police.

MORE: Mother charged with murder of missing toddler after remains found in yard

The child's remains were found around 3 a.m. Saturday in the yard of Griner's home.

Griner is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for a detention hearing. It wasn't known Monday if she's retained an attorney.