Dad arrested for "shaken baby" assault on 7-month-old son; infant on life support (Merced, California)

Dad MICHAEL BURELL has been arrested in the case. And though the baby is on life support, it sounds like he's not expected to live.

http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/Shaken-Baby-Syndrome-Case-In-Merced/zK7b0ClE3EKxjLRw14MGZg.cspx

Shaken Baby Syndrome Case In Merced
Reported by: Brittney Hopper
Published: 9/12 10:06 pm Updated: 8:33 am

Shock, anger and sadness are the emotions at a Merced apartment building.

"Terrible, just terrible. They seemed like the perfect couple,” said Jason Faulk, neighbor.

Merced Police say on Thursday they responded to a medical call involving a 7-month old child not breathing. After investigating police found the injuries to the child appeared in line with shaken baby syndrome. The next day 23-year old Michael Burell the child's father was arrested.

"These are very difficult cases because of course the officers are not there when this occurred so they have to piece these cases together like a puzzle,” said Lt. West, Merced Police.

The child was taken to Children's Hospital Central California where he has been placed on life support to preserve his organs. Registered Nurse Carlos Flores says in most shaken baby cases the child will die or have life long disabilities.

"It's about 50 percent maybe even higher where those that don't die will have some life long neurological consequences,” said Carlos Flores, RN Children’s Hospital Central California.

Flores teaches classes about shaken baby syndrome and gave us a demonstration with a doll. He says all it takes is shaking a child three to five seconds and it could kill. Neighbors say they hope Burell gets the maximum punishment.

“I hope he doesn't get out, and I'm sorry for the families and I hope things work out for them,” said Charles Stuart, neighbor.