New Jersey man accused of throwing infant off bridge pleads not guilty to murder

Not guilty plea by NJ dad accused of tossing baby

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — A New Jersey man has pleaded not guilty to a charge that he murdered his 3-month-old daughter by throwing her off a highway bridge.

A public defender entered the plea in court Monday in the city of New Brunswick for Shamsid-Din Abdur-Raheem, of Galloway Township. He appeared via video link from the Essex County jail, where he is being held on $2 million bail.

The baby’s mother was in court and watched without visible reaction.

Abdur-Raheem is charged with killing Zara Malani-lin Abdur after allegedly snatching her from her maternal grandmother Feb. 16.

Prosecutors charge that he tossed the baby from the Driscoll Bridge into the Raritan River. The child has not been found.

Abdur-Raheem has already pleaded not guilty to several related charges.