The girl died after falling from a fourth floor balcony in the city’s Fosie district.
Witnesses told police that the fall was preceded by a heated argument in the apartment where the girl and the two men lived.
The 38-year-old’s lawyer denied that his client had committed an offence before members of the public were asked to leave the court and the remainder of the hearing was held behind closed doors. After an hour and a half a decision was taken to remand the girl’s stepfather in custody.
The public prosecutor will file official charges in the case on February 20th.