Dad on trial for murder of 3-month-old daughter (Woodstock, Illinois)

Dad SALVADOR AVILA is on trial for murder in the blunt-force trauma death of his 3-month-old daughter. Notice that the baby's mother has been completely erased from the story. Why? Was she working while Daddy was "caretaking?" Is this a single father? What?

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.

http://www.nwherald.com/2011/09/29/doctor-blunt-trauma-killed-baby/awj3sgh/

Doctor: Blunt trauma killed baby
By SARAH SUTSCHEK

Created: Friday, September 30, 2011 5:30 a.m. CDT

WOODSTOCK – The forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on an infant whose father is accused of killing her said the baby died from blunt trauma.

“These types of brain and retinal injuries are also seen in infants that are shaken, also known as shaken baby syndrome,” Dr. Mark Peters said.

Peters took the stand in the third day of testimony in the trial of Salvador Avila, 22, who is charged with murder in the death of his nearly 3-month-old daughter, Sophia Avila.

Peters testified that Sophia Avila appeared to be developing normally, and that the autopsy revealed normal chest and abdominal organs, including her heart, respiratory system and kidneys.

But he noted a bruise above her left eye and said that parts of her brain were “dripping down,” which is not seen in a normal brain but is observed in cases of severe edema, or swelling.

“Sophia Avila died of blunt trauma to the head,” Peters said.

Dr. Amanda Fingarson, who specializes in child abuse pediatrics, also testified Thursday. She reviewed reports from both times that Sophia Avila was admitted to emergency rooms. The first time was about three weeks before she was rushed to Mercy Harvard Hospital on the morning of Feb. 16, 2008, by her father.

From Harvard, the baby was airlifted to Rockford Memorial Hospital, where she died about two days later.

“It is my opinion that she died as the result of abusive head trauma,” Fingarson said. “Basically, it was inflicted – it was not an accident.”

Prosecutors have not yet rested their case, but the trial will resume Tuesday when more witnesses will be available.