Father accused of using drain cleaner to try and kill daughter

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. -- A Massachusetts man is accused of trying to kill his sick 7-year-old daughter by poisoning her with drain cleaner.

Christopher Conley pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Hampshire Superior Court to charges including attempted murder and assault and battery on a child. He was ordered held on $100,000 bail.

Authorities allege Conley poured Liquid-Plumr into a tube in the child's belly that connects to the intestine because he wanted to end the chronically-ill girl's pain. She subsequently underwent a seven-hour surgery in April to remove two-thirds of her small intestine and part of her bladder.

Prosecutors say the 32-year-old Conley may have been abusing his daughter for years because her medical issues improved when she was in foster care.

Conley's lawyer says his client "did not hurt his daughter" and statements he gave police were made under extreme stress. The girl remains hospitalized.