Dad arrested in beating death of 3-month-old son; charged with 1st-degree murder (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Dad JAMES E. PIERCE has been arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder in the beating death of his 3-month-old son. Even though the police were called to the home in the morning hours, there is NO MENTION of a mother around. Was she already at work when Daddy "lost it" with the baby? Was this a custody/visitation situation? What? Where is Mom anyway?

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.

http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Father_Arrested_In_Beating_Death_of_3-Month-Old__120709029.html

Updated: 5:20 AM Apr 27, 2011

Father Arrested In Beating Death of 3-Month-Old A 3-month-old has died, the victim of abuse allegedly at the hands of his own father.
Posted: 10:41 AM Apr 26, 2011
Reporter: KKTV

A 3-month-old has died, the victim of abuse allegedly at the hands of his own father.

Colorado Springs police say they were called on the morning of April 15 to 1617 E. Woodmen Road, Apt. #141 regarding a 3-month-old infant who was unconscious and not breathing.

The infant was transported to Memorial Hospital Central by ambulance. Medical personnel tried to resuscitate the boy but he was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:29 a.m.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy and has determined the manner of death was homicide and the cause of death was due to multiple blunt force strikes. The victim has been identified as 3-month-old Jayden Pierce.

The baby's father, 19-year-old James E. Pierce, has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. He made his first court appearance Tuesday, and is being held in jail without bond.

It's unclear what may have triggered the alleged attack on Jayden, but it's the kind of the death that some say can be prevented.

Sally Duncan is a Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Specialist at Memorial Hospital. She didn't comment on this case, but she says child abuse often stems from parents who are frustrated with their crying baby.

"People lose their patience, get very frustrated with crying babies thinking they have to solve the problem and they may shake, toss or hit the baby," said Duncan.

Duncan is working to prevent future child deaths, by teaching parents how to cope with crying babies. Before leaving the hospital, all new parents are required to watch a video showing the dangers of hitting or shaking a baby.

There are other resources available for parents who are in a tough situation. KPC Kids Place offers free childcare for up to 72 hours. You can call their 24-hour hotline 719-634-5439.

If you have information about this incident please call police at 719-444-7000. If you would like to remain anonymous you can call Crime-stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or you can simply text CSPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411).