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Rape, Slaying Trial Soon To Be Set In Tot's Death

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2008

TAMPA - Court officials expect to meet in January to set a trial date for Eric James Tate, accused of and raping and fatally injuring his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter while he was babysitting on Aug 16, 2006.

Today, Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Robert A. Foster Jr. scheduled a status conference Jan 8 for Tate, charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and sexual battery in the death of Heather Marie Romance of Orient Park.

Defense attorney Brian Gonzalez told Foster he expects a trial date to be set at the hearing.

In the interim, Gonzalez said, the defense will continue to depose potential expert witnesses. "Blood and DNA people," he said.

Tate, 20, of Lutz, has been held without bail since his arrest on Aug. 16, 2006.

Amy Romance, Heather's mother, took the child to Saint Joseph's Hospital. The tot had severe head injuries. Authorities say Tate told the mother the girl fell of a couch and struck her head.

The girl was placed on a ventilator and died the next day.

Doctors said the girl had been raped and had bruises on her head, ears, back and under her chin.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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