Dad accused in violent beating death of 11-month-old daughter; mom also injured (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

Dad is identified as RUSSELL LAMAR ROSE.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Gut-Wrenching-11-Month-Old-Dies-in-Kenosha-Fire-283235341.html

"Monster" Dad Accused in Infant's Violent Death

"The death of any child is traumatic, but for a child to be killed in such a violent nature is unthinkable"

An 11-month-old Kenosha, Wisconsin, girl suffered fatal injuries Tuesday evening at the hands of her father, police said, in what the town's police chief described as "the most violent child death that I have ever seen."

Wednesday, Nov 19, 2014 • Updated at 7:48 PM CST

An 11-month-old Kenosha, Wisconsin, girl suffered fatal injuries Tuesday evening at the hands of her father, police said, in what the town's police chief described as "the most violent child death that I have ever seen."

"This is Serenity Rose who was killed by her father," Chief John Morrissey said during a media briefing, holding a photo of the girl.

An autopsy performed Wednesday revealed the child died from multiple blunt force injuries including several skull fractures. Charges against the father, identified as 34-year-old Russell Lamar Rose, are pending.

"The words that I would like to say about this individual are probably not fit for the media," Morrissey said, "so I'm simply going to refer to him as a monster."

Morrissey said officers responded to a domestic violence call just before 7 p.m. Tuesday from a 27-year-old woman screaming that someone killed her baby. Witnesses told police they heard screams for help and a baby crying outside a triplex in the 5000 block of 21st Avenue.

Morrissey said the witnesses told police they saw Rose hold Serenity over his head and drop her to the ground.

Rose then ran into the apartment, Morrissey said, and officers who surrounded the apartment saw the man setting fire to the curtains. Rose, who police said has an extensive criminal record, later was arrested without incident.

The child was found lifeless, badly bruised and bloody, Morrissey said. Her face was partially disfigured. Serenity's mother, who was not named by police, suffered a swollen face and lacerations.

Serenity and her mother were transported to Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center where the mother was treated for her injuries and the child was pronounced dead.

Morrissey said the incident began because Rose wanted the mother to move out of their home.

"The death of any child is traumatic," Morrissey said, "but for a child to be killed in such a violent nature is unthinkable."

On Wednesday the Kenosha Police Department changed its Facebook cover photo to "reflect on the tragic incident" involving the "death of an 11-month-old baby as a result of Child Abuse."

"The toll this has taken on our officers who were on scene, along with the Fire Department personnel, hospital personnel, etc has been gut wrenching and extremely sad," the department wrote on Facebook, adding, "In memory of the 11 month old victim, this will be our last FB posting for today."