The man accused of beating his young stepdaughter to death pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges Friday.

Kelsey Smith is accused of killing 3-year-old Jeida Torres inside a Bushwick homeless shelter last month. Investigators say her 5-year-old brother witnessed everything. 

The plea marked Smith's first physical court appearance since his arrest. He previously appeared via video conference from Bellevue Hospital where police say he was on suicide watch after trying to kill himself. 

He has since been in the medical unit at Riker's Island, and the judge has permitted him to stay there.

Smith's case returns to court on Feb. 6, and he's expected to appear via video conference again.