Sep 30, 2014 1 min read

SOMERSET (AP) – A Western Pennsylvania man has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges in the death of his pregnant girlfriend and her child.

Twenty-five-year-old Denver Blough is charged in Somerset County with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, attempted homicide and reckless endangerment.

Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder in the May 31 shooting death of 23-year-old Caressa Kovalcik, who was 8½ months pregnant. The child, a girl, was delivered but died three weeks later of complications from the shooting.

Authorities said Blough said his 20-gauge shotgun accidentally discharged in the victim’s face after he broke it in half during an argument. Prosecutors also said the couple’s 11-month-old son was standing six feet from where she was shot.