WAILUKU, Maui — A 25-year-old Maui man accused of severely beating his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter remained in custody following an initial appearance yesterday in Lahaina District Court.

Francisco Ramirez is charged with second-degree attempted murder and was being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for tomorrow in Wailuku District Court.

Shari Rodrigues suffered a skull fracture, a broken sternum and ribs, and internal injuries, and was last reported in critical condition at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu.

Police responding to a 911 call at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday found the girl unconscious at the Na Hale O Waine'e homeless resource center in Lahaina.

Ramirez was arrested Thursday and admitted hitting the child, deputy prosecutor John Tam said. The girl's mother, Tresia Rodrigues, 26, also was arrested, but was released after being questioned by police.

The couple's 5-month-old son is in foster custody under the state Department of Human Services, department spokesman Derick Dahilig said.

Ramirez, who worked at a hardware store, had been free on parole after being sentenced in 2001 to a 10-year prison term for burglary, Tam said. He has additional convictions for burglary and assault.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.