"Likely" that dad to be arrested in death of 5-week-old son (Coweta County, Georgia)

Of course the deceased baby boy (and his twin sister) were "in the care" of dad JOHNNY LEE EDWARDS at the time that the baby boy received his fatal injuries. Abusive head trauma ("shaken baby") is being identified as the cause of death. But notice that there were other signs of physical abuse as well.

People, we need to face facts. The care of infants--especially twin newborns--is stressful. And very few young men who are 18 - 21 years of age can handle this kind of stress. They're much too aggressive and volatile at this age, and with a lot of upper body strength that can do a lot of damage. It's not just "sexism" that has assigned this kind of work to mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers for the past millenium. It's because generally speaking (individual exceptions noted), females are better prepared to do this kind of work. I suspect this is for a variety of biological and social reasons, but that doesn't particularly matter. There has NEVER BEEN a human society that has assigned the bulk of day-to-day child care to young men, and that's for very good reasons. Check out the animal kingdom for additional evidence. Apart from a few exceptional species like penguins (which hardly resemble homo sapiens in any way), male parents do not care for their young. Especially in the primate family, which includes our closest relatives.

http://www.times-herald.com/local/Murder-warrant-sought-in-baby-s-death-1519805

Published Tuesday, February 01, 2011 in Local

Murder warrant sought in baby's death
By Elizabeth Melville

The Times-Herald

A 5-week-old baby boy has died as the result of injuries he suffered Friday while in the care of his father, say Coweta County authorities.

Infant Austin Edwards was transported to an area hospital Friday evening in medical distress. He was pronounced dead late Sunday evening at an Atlanta hospital, according to Major James Yarbrough of the Coweta County Sheriff's Office.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation ruled the victim's death a homicide on Monday, according to Yarbrough.

"We are issuing a warrant for murder," said Yarbrough on Monday, following the GBI's determination. "There is enough probable cause at this time to make an arrest."

The baby's father -- 21-year-old Johnny Lee Edwards -- is expected to be taken into police custody Tuesday charged with his son's death. According to Yarbrough, Edwards was staying with his parents in Barnesville, Ga., on Monday and that's why he will likely be arrested Tuesday.

Edwards had been residing with his girlfriend, Jessica Barrera, at 124 West Wedgewood Circle off Franklin Highway, just west of the Newnan city limits. The two were living with their children in a home behind Barrera's parents' residence, according to Yarbrough.

Edwards was reportedly home alone Friday with his twin infants.

"That's when the injuries occurred to the child," said Yarbrough.

Edwards reportedly took his infant son to his girlfriend's parents' house and they drove Austin to Piedmont Newnan Hospital around 7 p.m. The baby was later transported by helicopter ambulance to Children's Hospital of Atlanta at Egleston. Officials at the hospital notified the sheriff's office of the suspicious incident on Friday.

"Doctors found broken bones and internal bleeding," said Yarbrough. According to the major, doctors noted signs of abuse consistent with shaken baby syndrome -- as well as other possible methods of physical abuse.

Austin Edwards remained on life support until it was shut off Sunday evening. The infant was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, according to Yarbrough. The GBI's Atlanta crime lab carried out the autopsy on the young victim Monday.

The victim's twin sister, Abigail, also remains at Egleston for an unrelated respiratory infection, according to Yarbrough. Police do not believe at this time that she was injured Friday.

"We are conducting another open investigation there, also," Yarbrough confirmed.

"We have interviewed the father since he was alone with the children, and he has been cooperating with us," said Yarbrough on Monday. "The investigation continues, and we are conducting more interviews."

Anyone with additional information can contact the sheriff's office at 770-253-1502