ASCENSION PARISH - A man was indicted for attempted first-degree murder after he viciously beat his girlfriend's 4-year-old child while she was away at work, deputies said.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said Clydedric Joseph, 27, of Lutcher admitted to beating the boy on July 25. Joseph's bond was set at $200,000 and he was formally indicted on the charge in September.

The sheriff's office said the child was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but later recovered.