Dad charged with homicide in death of 2-month-old daughter (North Las Vegas, Nevada)

Dad is identified as JOSHUA CHINN.

http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/chinn-north-las-vegas-police-arrest-infant/d51Zxj_-okO2kz5710TmLA.cspx

North Las Vegas police make arrest in infant's death

Published: 6:14 am
Updated: 6:17 am

NORTH LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3.com) – A man has been arrested in connection with the death of his 2-month-old child.

According to a news release from the North Las Vegas Police Department, detectives arrested Joshua Chinn, 19, of North Las Vegas on Sept. 12 after a six-month long investigation.

The investigation began March 12 when officers responded to UMC Hospital in reference to a 2-month-old baby in extremely critical condition with multiple internal injuries. She was reportedly transported by ambulance from her home in the 3600 block of Turquoise Waters Avenue.

It was initially reported to police that the child’s father checked on the baby in her crib at about 9 p.m. He found her struggling to breath and alerted other family members in the home. They attempted CPR and called 9-1-1. Medical personnel arrived and transported the child to the hospital, where she died three days later.

Detectives began a child death investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries. Statements made by the parents were inconsistent with medical evidence that suggested the child was shaken violently and had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and torso.

On Aug. 28, detectives were notified by the Clark County coroner’s office that the autopsy report was concluded. The official cause of death was homicide, believed to be caused by acts of physical abuse.

Witnesses reported Chinn acted aggressively towards the baby in weeks leading up to the child's death. In one incident, Chinn allegedly bit the baby on her stomach, causing bruising. In a separate incident, Chinn allegedly slapped girl in the face.

Evidence suggests that Chinn was the last person alone with the baby before the baby’s medical crisis.

Chinn is in the Clark County Detention Center. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.