Dad charged with felony chld abuse; "allegedly" smothered, threw 3-month-old daughter (Lincoln County, Missouri)

No mention of a mother in the home. Was she working while Daddy was smothering the baby? Was this a single dad with custody and/or visitation? ? We aren't told.

Dad is identified as MARK ALAN BINGLE. 

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/stcharles/lincoln-county-father-charged-with-abusing--month-old-daughter/article_fb1ce544-01bf-11e2-afc0-001a4bcf6878.html

Lincoln County father charged with abusing 3-month-old daughter

Mark Alan Bingle, 23, of Lincoln County is charged with child abuse.

September 18, 2012 1:37 pm •

BY SUSAN WEICH LINCOLN COUNTY •

A father has been charged with felony child abuse after police say he caused serious injuries to his 3-month-old daughter.

Mark Alan Bingle, 23, of the first block of Green Oaks Lane, was being held Tuesday in the Lincoln County Jail; bail is set at $50,000 cash only.

Sheriff's deputies were alerted to the alleged abuse Saturday by the staff at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, where the child was treated. The girl's injuries included multiple rib fractures and bruises on her left knee and back. She also showed signs of a previous right leg fracture and eye hemorrhaging, according to court documents.

According to police, Bingle admitted to placing his daughter between his thigh and chest numerous times while forcibly squeezing her. He said he heard a noise on more than one occasion that could have been a rib or ribs breaking.

In addition, Bingle told police he pushed his baby's face down into a pillow to stop her from crying. He also threw her on a couch with enough force to cause injury, police said.

The child's condition was unavailable Tuesday.