Dad accused of severely shaking 3-month-old baby (San Juan County, New Mexico)

UNNAMED DAD is facing first-degree felony charges in the severe shaking of his 3-month-old child, who suffered severe bleeding in the brain and eyes.

Father accused of severely shaking baby
By Elizabeth Piazza The Daily Times
Posted: 04/22/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT

SAN JUAN COUNTY — A 3-month-old baby that was severely shaken Friday by a parent suffered brain injuries that likely will result in brain damage, learning disabilities or death, authorities said.

Charges are pending against the baby's father, who is cooperating with deputies, San Juan County Sheriff's Capt. Tim Black said.

"Based on his interview, we are seeking an arrest warrant," Black said.

Tests conducted at San Juan Regional Medical Center showed the baby had severe bleeding in the brain and eyes, which is consistent with being shaken, Black said.

The case was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review.

The father is facing charges of great bodily harm, a first-degree felony, which has a mandatory prison sentence of 18 years if convicted, Chief Deputy District Attorney Dustin O'Brien said.

If the child dies as a result of the injuries, charges could be amended to great bodily injury or death of a child and the father would face life in prison, O'Brien said.

The child was flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for additional tests after being treated at San Juan Regional Medical Center, Black said.

Sheriff's detectives consulted a doctor at the hospital to determine the extent of the injuries before filing the appropriate charges.

The baby could become blind and may suffer seizures, but because of her age, it might take several months to determine the child's injuries, Black said.

"There are two other children in the home and the baby had a twin brother," Black said.

The New Mexico Department of Children, Youth and Families Department was notified by deputies.

CYFD officials allowed the twin and two small children to remain in the home with the mother after conducting an investigation, Black said. The father did not remain in the house.

Elizabeth Piazza: epiazza@daily-times.com