Dad found competent for trial in near-fatal assault of 2-month-old son (Muskegon, Michigan)

Dad is identified as JOSEPH MICHAEL KRYPEL II.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/05/dad_found_competent_to_stand_t.html

Dad found competent for trial in near-fatal shaking of 2-month-old son

Published: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 7:31 PM

By John S. Hausman

MUSKEGON, MI -- Joseph Michael Krypel II has been declared mentally competent to stand trial for allegedly shaking or otherwise injuring his 2-month-old son almost to death.

Muskegon County 14th Circuit Judge Timothy G. Hicks made that ruling Tuesday afternoon after receiving a report from a state-appointed psychiatrist. Krypel will be scheduled for trial.

Krypel, 25, of Norton Shores is charged with first-degree child abuse, a 15-year felony.

Police and prosecutors believe Krypel injured little Joseph Michael Krypel III early Dec. 30 in their home in the 3200 block of Victoria. The baby at one point stopped breathing, police said.

Muskegon County Child Protective Services, alerted by medical personnel at Mercy Health Partners Hackley Campus, called police around 5:30 a.m.

The baby had been taken to Hackley's emergency room with reported dehydration and difficulty breathing, police said. The boy's condition was so severe that he was transported to Spectrum hospital in Grand Rapids.

Based on doctors' statements and other interviews, the father was charged.