Dad charged with manslaughter in death of 11-week-old son (Middleburg, Florida)

Dad is identified as JESSE WAYNE HELMS.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/middleburg/2014/06/17/father-charged-death-of-infant/10679237/

Father charged in death of 11-week-old son

Michelle Quesada, First Coast News

12:27 p.m. EDT June 18, 2014

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- A 19-year-old is facing felony charges related to the death of his 11-week-old son.

According to a police report form the Clay County Sheriff's Office, 11-week-old Jacoby Logan Helms suffered multiple subdural hematomas to his brain, blunt force trauma to his abdomen and severe retinal hemorrhaging in his right eye June 11 that led to his death.

Clay County Fire and Rescue responded to the 1900 block of Bridlewood Place and transported the infant to St. Vincent's Hospital. The infant was subsequently transported to Wolfson Children's Hospital where medical staff found the victim did not have any brain activity. He was pronounced deceased.

Tests showed the injuries would have immediately debilitated the infant and are all from the same time and incident, the report detailed. The injuries are consistent with the victim being severely shaken and likely hit into something. The infant's eye injury was so severe it nearly detached his retina.

Pastor Tim Martin of the First Baptist Church of Middleburg says the baby's mother and her family have been long-time members of the church and say the community is showing their support after this tragedy.

"We just had the memorial service just a few days ago for the baby and we had over 100 people in attendance. It was just very gratifying to see this family of friends just surround the family and love on them," said Pastor Martin.

Martin says baby Jacoby just had a dedication ceremony at the church last month.

"On Mother's Day we did dedicate the baby and basically we were asking the family to commit to raising the baby in a Christian home and the church committed to pray for the family and help raise the child," added Pastor Martin.

Pastor Martin says Stanley is heartbroken over the loss of her baby boy, her first and only child. The baby would have been three months old on June 19.

Helms had his first appearance in court Tuesday. Records show he has no bond set.

Jesse Wayne Helms turned himself in to the Clay County Sheriff's Office June 16 and was charged with aggravated man slaughter.