Man Accused Of Raping, Killing Enid 2-Year-Old Claims Innocence

A man accused of the rape and murder of a toddler went in front of a Garfield County judge Monday morning. During the brief arraignment, Michael Geiger told the judge he didn't do it.

The horrific death of two-year-old Caliyah Guyton shook Enid to its core last April. In Monday's appearance, Judge Tom Newby said he aims to start the trial this May.

Michael Geiger pleaded not guilty to his first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and kidnapping charges Monday morning.

Geiger is accused of the rape and murder of 2-year-old Caliyah Guyton in April and faces the death penalty. A month before the alleged murder, Geiger was released from prison after a 10-year sentence for kidnapping.

Court documents show Geiger and the little girl's family stayed at the Prairie Grand Hotel on April 27. Those documents show the family and Geiger briefly interacted at the pool, where he gave Caliyah chips and candy. That pool is also where Caliyah's body was found.

The two-year-old was found floating in the pool, dressed only from the waist up, and had gym shorts wrapped around her neck.

Per court records, in the shorts pocket were room keys for the same room Geiger stayed in.

Police believe he lured Cayilah from her room, while her parents were out and other family members who watched fell asleep. Investigators found more chips, candy, and clothes Cayliah's size with signs of a violent sexual assault on them, all in his room.

More court documents show the state medical examiner believes the toddler died from as a result of asphyxiation and drowning. Paperwork filed in October shows there is DNA evidence that will also play a factor in this trial.

Geiger's next court date is January 3. His trial date may be set then. During Monday's proceedings, Geiger's defense team asked the trial start May 2024. His attorney cited the need for a "years-long generational investigation" for the extra time.