Dad arrested on suspicion of murder; 4-month-old son died from suffocation, other injuries (Oakland, California)

Dad WILLIAM THUNDERHAWK has been arrested on suspicion of murder charges after his 4-month-old son was hospitalized with "visible" injuries consistent with suffocation. The poor baby also had three broken ribs and other unspecified injuries suggesting he had been hit.

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_16809053

Oakland father arrested on suspicion of murder in infant's death
By Harry Harris
Oakland Tribune

Posted: 12/08/2010 03:14:22 PM PST
Updated: 12/08/2010 03:34:14 PM PST

OAKLAND -- The father of a 4-month-old boy who died Sunday from injuries police said were consistent with being suffocated and hit was arrested on suspicion of murder today.

William Thunderhawk, 26, is being held in connection with the death of his son Wambli Thunderhawk.

Thunderhawk had been at the John George Psychiatric Pavilion in San Leandro for observation since last week. He was booked today at North County Jail in Oakland.

Police first became aware of the case Nov. 29 when they were called to Children's Hospital Oakland, where Wambli had been admitted the previous day. Hospital personnel were concerned about visible injuries to the infant.

Wambli had been brought to the hospital from an apartment in the 1600 block of 6th Avenue, where he lived with his father; his mother, Marjorie Castaneda, 31; and his 5-year-old brother.

While Thunderhawk was being evaluated at John George, a warrant charging him with child abuse was issued for his arrest.

An autopsy performed Monday determined that Wambli had injuries consistent with suffocation. The autopsy also revealed that he had three fractured ribs, Sgt. Mike Gantt said.

The autopsy found that the injuries could have occurred the day Wambli was taken to the hospital or up to a week before.

The case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office so that the child abuse charge can be amended.