Dad charged with aggravated manslaughter in death of 9-week-old son (Camden, New Jersey)

Yet another case where Mom had to work--even though she had a newborn--while Daddy played at being the caretaker.

Dad is identified as JONATHAN GARRETT SR.

Why we need paid maternity leave....

http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/crime/2014/10/28/man-charged-infant-sons-death/18085273/

Camden father charged with shaking baby to death

PHIL DUNN, COURIER-POST 6:29 a.m. EDT October 29, 2014

A Camden man has been charged with allegedly shaking his infant son to death in February, authorities said.

Jonathan Garrett Sr., 30, is facing one count of aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of his 9-week-old, Jonathan Garrett Jr.

The child suffered from hemorrhages to the brain, spine and eyes as well as retinal detachment from the alleged shaking, authorities said.

Police were called to Garrett's apartment on the 1300 block of Princess Avenue in Camden around 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1 for a report of an infant not breathing.

Garrett, who called 911, was home alone with his son. He had been watching him since about 9 p.m. the night before, while the infant's mother was at work.

The infant was transported to Cooper University Hospital and was initially diagnosed with a "subdural hematoma" or possible brain injury. The child also had a collapsed left lung, as well as an unstable blood pressure and heart rate, authorities said.

He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead Feb. 2. The county medical examiner initially determined the cause of death would be "pending" until additional studies were completed.

Doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Wills Eye Hospital reported the child suffered from multiple hemorrhages. The injuries were consistent with being shaken, doctors told authorities.

Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams of CHOP further stated the effects from being shaken would be "apparent almost immediately," according to the probable cause statement.

On Feb. 14, the infant's death was ruled a homicide due to blunt head trauma.

Garrett was unable to provide an explanation for the infant's injuries, authorities said. However he did tell detectives he was the only one watching his son the night he called 911.

Garrett was arraigned Tuesday in Camden County Superior Court. He was lodged in the Camden County Jail in default of $200,000 bail.