NATCHEZ — An Adams County man who allegedly nearly beat his 10-year-old nephew to death is still being held without bond in the Adams County Jail.

Joseph Washington Jr. was arrested Dec. 4 on a charge of attempted murder for allegedly beating the boy with a metal baseball bat.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Jerry Brown said the boy is now safely in the care of family members.

Sheriff Travis Patten said last week that the boy’s life is no longer threatened, though whether the child suffered any permanent damage remains uncertain.