Dad found guilty of child endangering for almost killing 4-month son (Toledo, Ohio)

Why is it called "endangering" when dad JONATHAN DOMINQUEZ almost killed this baby? Moms get nailed for endangering by having a dirty house or for running out to get a gallon of milk and leaving the toddler at home. Shows you how low the threshhold is for daddies. Had this been a mom, I'm pretty sure we would have been looking at an assault charge.

Notice that this assault took place during the weekend, which was Daddy's time to play caregiver while Mom worked. Another testosterone-fueled dude who couldn't stand a crying baby....

http://m2.toledoblade.com/Courts/2011/11/29/Father-24-found-guilty-of-child-endangering-2.html

Published: 11/29/2011


Father, 24, found guilty of child endangering

BY ERICA BLAKE
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Jonathan Dominguez was tired, and his young son would not stop crying.

But instead of walking away, he grabbed the infant and one day squeezed him until he broke three ribs and the next day shook him, causing a brain injury, a Lucas County assistant prosecutor said.

Dominguez, 24, pleaded no contest and was found guilty in common pleas court Monday to one count of child endangering. He faces up to eight years in prison when sentenced Dec. 28 by Judge Gene Zmuda.

“Initial reports were that the injury was fatal, and [the child] was transferred to Hospice,” Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Pituch said. “In a turn of events that could be described as miraculous, the child survived and is now home.”

The extent of his longtime injuries is still unknown, Mr. Pituch said.

Dominguez was arrested Aug. 15, a day after his then-4-month-old son was taken to the hospital with bruising and brain injuries. He has been in custody since his arrest.

Mr. Pituch said that Dominguez lived with his son, Averik, and the baby’s mother, Miranda Hughes, on Stirrup Lane. On Aug. 11, just three days before he was admitted to Toledo Children’s Hospital, Averik was given a clean bill of health by his physician at his regularly scheduled check-up, Mr. Pituch said.

Dominguez worked full time during the week, and Ms. Hughes worked weekends, Mr. Pituch added. It was on the weekend during Ms. Hughes’ work shifts that Dominguez was the sole caregiver of the infant.

“The defendant was tired, and Averik would not stop crying,” Mr. Pituch said.

On Aug. 13, Dominguez squeezed the child with enough strength to leave bruises on his back and fracture three ribs. The next day, he shook Averik with such force that it caused bleeding on the brain, Mr. Pituch said. When interviewed by police, Dominguez admitted both instances of abuse, he added.

Attorney John McMahon said after the hearing his client was “kind of shocked” by what he had done, noting that Dominguez had no previous criminal record. He said his client knows he should have just walked away.

“He’s very remorseful. He wishes the best for his son, and he hopes someday that he can have a relationship with his son,” Mr. McMahon said.