Dad going to trial for injuring infant daughter; baby had fractured rib and a traumatic brain injury (Lubbock, Texas)

Dad RICHARD P. ESCH is going to trial for abusing his infant daughter in 2005. The baby had a fractured rib, a traumatic brain injury, and retinal blood vessel damage--all symptoms of shaken baby syndrome.

http://lubbockonline.com/stories/080409/loc_475878826.shtml

Trial set to begin in shaken baby abuse case
By Logan G. Carver AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Story last updated at 8/4/2009 - 1:18 am

Testimony is scheduled to begin today in the trial of a man accused of abusing his daughter in 2005.

Richard P. Esch is on trial in the 140th district court, charged with injury to a child.

Attorneys finished selecting a jury late Monday afternoon and jurors should begin hearing evidence today in the trial officials expect will run through Thursday.

Wolfforth police began investigating the incident March 7, 2005, after officials from University Medical Center contacted the department.

Doctors treated the baby's extensive injuries two days before calling police, Wolfforth Chief Rick Scott said. She had a fractured rib, a traumatic brain injury and burst retinal blood vessels, he said.

"Her injuries were consistent with what is referred to as shaken baby syndrome," Scott said.

Knowing the extent of the injuries, the investigation centered on determining who had custody of the child when the injuries occurred, Scott said.

"We believe the injuries occurred on March 5 and the person who had custody of her at that time was her father Richard Esch," Scott said.

In an interview with Wolfforth police, Esch denied any involvement in her injuries, Scott said.
Scott presented the case to a grand jury and Esch was indicted in June 2006.

The indictment alleges Esch used his hand as a deadly weapon and caused serious bodily injury to the child.

If convicted, the father faces up to life in prison for the first degree felony.