The leader of a polygamist clan with a history of trouble with the law says his daughter is the victim of an accident, not abuse.

Paul Kingston: "THIS HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY FOR OUR FAMILY. WE'RE STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED LITTLE RHODA'S INJURY."

The 18-month-old daughter of Paul Kingston is still in critical condition in ICU with serious head injuries she suffered Tuesday. The babysitter is suspected of child abuse.

While police continue to investigate the girl's injuries, and prosecutors consider more charges, the Kingstons say they are being unfairly targeted and could no longer listen in silence.

Eldon and Paul Kingston say they want to set the record straight. They say child abuse charges against babysitter Michelle Michaels are unfounded.

Police think she's responsible for Rhoda Wright's critical injuries that include a four-inch skull fracture. The babysitter and daycare operator told police the child fell from a highchair and the Kingstons believe her.

Paul Kingston/Rhoda's Father: "THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANYTHING TO INDICATE THAT THERE COULD BE ANYTHING LIKE THIS INTENTIONAL. WE'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED."

Eldon Kingston/Family Spokesman: "THIS HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY FOR OUR FAMILY. AND ANY ATTEMPTS TO CHARACTERIZE THIS AS ANYTHING ELSE IS CRUEL AND UNFAIR."

The babysitter told the Kingstons and police she was in another room when Rhoda climbed up on something and fell and hit her head on the hard floor.

The babysitter called the mother. Meantime they say the child seemed OK.

Rhoda ate a snack, then vomitted. The babysitter then called the father, Paul Kingston.

Paul Kingston/Rhoda's Father: "911 ARRIVED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES AFTER I ARRIVED. I CONTINUED UNTIL A PARAMEDIC WAS READY TO TAKE OVER."

Detectives say evidence does not support that story.

Police believe the child's wounds are too severe for a fall from a highchair. The Kingstons say they will cooperate with investigators, but don't seem to agree on evidence in the case.

Eldon Kingston/Family Spokesman: "I BELIEVE THAT THE DECISION TO PRESS CHARGES WAS BASED IN PART ON WHO WAS INVOLVED."

Paul Kingston is the reputed leader of the Kingston polygamy group, which numbers an estimated 1,000 members. Many of them live in Davis and Salt Lake Counties, where the family operates several businesses and owns considerable real estate.