Dad charged with assault of critically injured 2-month-old daughter (Hartford, Connecticut)

Dad is identified as MARCUS ROOKS. He has a history of assault.

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/2-Month-Old-in-Critical-Condition-Hartford-Police-Investigating-255240341.html

Father Charged With Assault of Critically Injured 2-Month-Old

By Ari Mason and Audrey Washington

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 | Updated 1:01 PM EDT

Hartford police have charged a father with the assault of his 2-month-old daughter. The little girl was taken to the hospital in critical condition on Monday and her father, Marcus Rooks, 32, of Manchester, was arrested today.

Police arrived at 798 Capitol Avenue around 1:15 p.m. after receiving the report of an unresponsive infant and the child was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

On Tuesday, police obtained a warrant that charges Rooks with the assault of the infant. He was taken into custody and charged with assault in the first degree and risk of Injury to a minor.

Bond was set at $1 million and the investigation is ongoing.

Detectives worked through the night and police said there was an unrelated outstanding arrest warrant charging Rooks with third-degree assault. He was taken into custody, interviewed and police obtained the additional warrant this morning.

Dannie Sears, who identified herself as the baby's godmother, said the child is struggling to survive.

"Her mother came down to me saying she didn't look right, she wasn't acting right, so I told her to bring [the baby] to me," Sears explained. "I noticed her head lolling and her eyes kind of rolled to the side. She wouldn't connect, she wouldn't follow my hand or nothing [sic]. Within five seconds, I knew something was wrong with her, and I called 911."

The Hartford Police Department Special Investigations Division and Major Crimes Division homicide detectives are conducting a criminal investigation.

Sears said all she wants to know is that her goddaughter will be OK.

"She had surgery and she made it through the surgery, thank God, and she's fighting for her life," Sears said.

The state Department of Children and Families is involved in the case.

"I just want everybody to pray for my goddaughter," Sears said. "She's a beautiful baby."