EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) -- A southeastern Kansas judge has dismissed a first-degree murder charge against a man accused of killing his girlfriend's 18-month-old daughter.

KAKE-TV reports (http://bit.ly/RVk7vS ) a Butler County judge on Thursday threw out the charge against Justin Edwards, of El Dorado (doh-RAY'-doh). Judge David Ricke ruled the state failed to provide sufficient evidence of the cause of death, but prosecutors may refile the charge if the state can produce the evidence.

Edwards and his girlfriend, Alyssa Haag, were both charged with killing Haag's daughter, Jayla, in March of this year. The baby died at a Wichita hospital. A coroner says Jayla had extensive injuries from abuse, including six missing teeth.

Alyssa Haag is also charged with first-degree murder and faces trial next month. She is currently out on bond.