Dad charged with abuse after newborn baby found to have 19 fractures (Sparta, Michigan

Dad is identified as DAVID STEIGER.

http://fox17online.com/2013/07/08/police-find-newborn-with-19-broken-bones-teen-dad-charged-with-abuse/#axzz2YZ5xHUnl

Police Find Newborn With 19 Broken Bones; Teen Dad Charged With Abuse •

13 hours ago
by Dave Spencer Reporter

SPARTA, Mich. – A 19-year-old father was arrested after police in Sparta found broken bones on his newborn boy.

David Steiger was taken into custody on July 2 and charged with first-degree child abuse July 5. He is being held at the Kent County Jail on a $100,000 bond, and could face life in prison if convicted.

According to his Facebook page, he’s a newlywed and a new father. His son, Jaxson, was just 20 days old when Steiger was arrested and charged with the crime.

A probable cause affidavit obtained by FOX 17 outlines what police said they found when Steiger was arrested and charged with first degree child abuse.

It states that Steiger admitted he pushed Jaxson’s leg until he heard a ‘pop’ sound. That sound, according to police, was the baby’s femur and tibia breaking. Steiger then told police his son fell off the couch while he watching him.

But a medical examination found additional broken bones, 19 in total. The documents state Steiger admitted that he may be to blame for those injuries but can’t say for sure because he “blacked out”.

We were able to speak with someone who knows Steiger but didn’t want to be identified. He said the warning signs were there a few days before his arrest.

“He had the baby and he comes walking across the lawn and I was in the pool. I looked at the baby and I hear him gasp for air and I was like, ‘What is wrong with your baby?’” the friend claims. “I said you need to take him to the doctor and he said ‘I can’t because protective services will be all over me.’”

Documents also show Steiger told police his wife was not responsible for the baby’s injuries.

The baby was taken to the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids and is listed in fair condition.