See link below for full story. Father JAMES MCINVALE JR. essentially abducted the baby from the mother in Michigan and took him to Alabama. Now Daddy is on trial for severely abusing the baby, who has been left with severe disabilities. Daddy blames his own Daddy. While they squabble, the mother is left to grieve over a baby who is severely brain damaged, with up to 200 seizures a day.
http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/2016/06/14/trial-for-father-accused-of-abusing-his-4-month-old-son-begins/
Showing posts with label seizures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seizures. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Custodial dad, step charged with burning 7-year-old boy with hot water, retraining him with zip ties; what happened to boy's mom? (Clarksburg, Maryland)
Not one word on what happened to the mother of this little boy or how dad CRAIG ANTHONEY WILLIAMS got custody. This should be one of the first questions reporters ask, but they seldom do. Do we know that Mom is alive? If not, do we know for a fact that she died from natural causes? Has she "disappeared" due to extreme domestic violence (if Daddy was capable of doing this to a child, you can bet Mom got similar treatment). Was she out-maneuvered in family court? What?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3431857/Couple-charged-child-abuse-dipping-hands-seven-year-old-hot-water-restraining-plastic-wrap-zip-ties.html
Couple charged with child abuse after 'dipping the hands of their seven-year-old in hot water and restraining him with plastic wrap and zip ties'
Craig and Nicole Williams, of Clarksburg, Maryland, have been charged with first-degree child abuse after their son was hospitalized
The boy suffered a possible seizure, abrasions, blisters and bruisers
He told doctors his parents restrained him with plastic wrap and ties The couple, who have five other children, allegedly admitted bounding him
By Dailymail.com Reporter
Published: 09:44 EST, 4 February 2016 | Updated: 19:32 EST, 4 February 2016
A father and stepfather in Maryland have been arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly restraining their seven-year-old son with plastic wrap and zip ties and burning him with hot water.
Craig Anthoney Williams, 42, and Nicole Williams, 39, came under investigation after their son was taken to Shady Grove Hospital on December 2 with a possible seizure, multiple abrasions, blisters and bruises over his body and head.
He had to be airlifted Children's National Medical Center for further treatment.
The little boy told doctors that his parents often bound him to his bed all day with zip ties.
Both his father and stepmother admitted to the staff that they restrain him, ABC 7 reported.
His father said he had been using plastic wrap to contain the boy to his bed for about seven months, usually at bedtime.
The father also said he would notice urine and fecal matter on the boy when he checked on him in the morning.
When the hospital called police, the boy told investigators that on Thanksgiving he was restrained in plastic wrap and only released to come to the dinner table, ABC 7 reported.
The boy said his father is the one who wraps and binds him most days, from his neck to his knees, securing him with zip ties or belts.
However he said his step-mother often assists.
When a nurse asked him what caused the blisters on his hands, the boy said his hands had been put in hot water.
According to the charging documents, the boy also has suicidal thoughts.
Both the father and step-mother were arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse.
While the bonds were originally set at $300,000 and $400,000, a judge lowered bonds to just $10,000 each.
The couple have since been released. Five other children - aged one, four, six, 12, and 17 - live in the home in Clarksburg with the two.
Officials are not saying whether the parents are allowed to be around the kids, citing privacy laws, but neighbors said they have not seen the couple at their home in weeks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3431857/Couple-charged-child-abuse-dipping-hands-seven-year-old-hot-water-restraining-plastic-wrap-zip-ties.html
Couple charged with child abuse after 'dipping the hands of their seven-year-old in hot water and restraining him with plastic wrap and zip ties'
Craig and Nicole Williams, of Clarksburg, Maryland, have been charged with first-degree child abuse after their son was hospitalized
The boy suffered a possible seizure, abrasions, blisters and bruisers
He told doctors his parents restrained him with plastic wrap and ties The couple, who have five other children, allegedly admitted bounding him
By Dailymail.com Reporter
Published: 09:44 EST, 4 February 2016 | Updated: 19:32 EST, 4 February 2016
A father and stepfather in Maryland have been arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly restraining their seven-year-old son with plastic wrap and zip ties and burning him with hot water.
Craig Anthoney Williams, 42, and Nicole Williams, 39, came under investigation after their son was taken to Shady Grove Hospital on December 2 with a possible seizure, multiple abrasions, blisters and bruises over his body and head.
He had to be airlifted Children's National Medical Center for further treatment.
The little boy told doctors that his parents often bound him to his bed all day with zip ties.
Both his father and stepmother admitted to the staff that they restrain him, ABC 7 reported.
His father said he had been using plastic wrap to contain the boy to his bed for about seven months, usually at bedtime.
The father also said he would notice urine and fecal matter on the boy when he checked on him in the morning.
When the hospital called police, the boy told investigators that on Thanksgiving he was restrained in plastic wrap and only released to come to the dinner table, ABC 7 reported.
The boy said his father is the one who wraps and binds him most days, from his neck to his knees, securing him with zip ties or belts.
However he said his step-mother often assists.
When a nurse asked him what caused the blisters on his hands, the boy said his hands had been put in hot water.
According to the charging documents, the boy also has suicidal thoughts.
Both the father and step-mother were arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse.
While the bonds were originally set at $300,000 and $400,000, a judge lowered bonds to just $10,000 each.
The couple have since been released. Five other children - aged one, four, six, 12, and 17 - live in the home in Clarksburg with the two.
Officials are not saying whether the parents are allowed to be around the kids, citing privacy laws, but neighbors said they have not seen the couple at their home in weeks.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Dad pleads guilty to murder of 7-year-old son; boy put into vegetative state when dad abused him at 3 months (Snow Hill, Maryland)
Another one of those stories that erases the mother. There is no indication here that she abused the baby, and yet she obviously lost custody. There is no mention of her pain or even her existence in all this. It's as if she never existed. This happens so often in the media.
Notice that dad GEMAYEL JARMON might get off with as little as 5 1/2 years in prison for destroying his son's life.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Berlin-father-behind-bars-for-murder-of-child/33596016
Berlin father behind bars for murder of child
Jobina Fortson, Reporter
POSTED: 07:16 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
UPDATED: 08:25 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
SNOW HILL, Md. - 32- year- old Gemayel Jarmon of Berlin is behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of his seven- year- old son Geoni.
Beau Oglesby, the Worcester County State’s Attorney says, “It is shocking and unimaginable that someone could do something like that to a completely defenseless child.”
This case stems from 2007 when Geoni was just three months old. He was abused by Jarmon.
Oglesby goes on, “The main injury was a fracture to the head that went from the left ear over to the right side of the head. The amount of force necessary to inflict that type of injury is tremendous.”
The injuries left Geoni in what some would describe as a vegetative state. He couldn't speak, walk, or see and was fed through a feeding tube. As a result, Jarmon was sentenced to fifteen years for child abuse and second degree assault. He received an additional six months for a violation of parole. However, through the courts decision he only ended up serving about five and a half years.
Meanwhile, a family adopted Geoni soon after his abuse. We're told he suffered frequent seizures. Last year, as his adoptive sister was rushing him to the hospital, he suffocated and died at the age of seven.
Oglesby continues, “When a person dies as a result of injuries sustained years prior, it is still appropriate certainly in my position, it's appropriate for someone to be prosecuted for those actions.”
In a letter to 47 ABC dated June 6th, Jarmon blames his son's death on the adoptive family. He alleged that they took too long to get Geoni to the hospital.
Oglesby replies, “Any suggestion by Mr. Jarmon or anyone else that someone else bears responsibility for that baby's death is inappropriate, it's not factually correct and it's offensive.”
On the case board in the Worcester County State's Attorney's office, there is a note describing how Geoni's adopted family described him..."he was perfect." Jarmon has been sentenced to 10 years for the murder.
Oglesby goes on, “Could he get out earlier than ten years from now? Certainly. Will he? That's unknown. That will be decided in large part by his behavior in prison.”
The Worcester County State's Attorney tells says Geoni's adoptive family is pleased with this outcome and right now they're just focused on healing.
As for Jarmon, we’re told he was transported to the diagnostics center in Baltimore to be classified. There, officials will decide which division of corrections facility will best suit him. Apparently that decision process can take several weeks.
Notice that dad GEMAYEL JARMON might get off with as little as 5 1/2 years in prison for destroying his son's life.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Berlin-father-behind-bars-for-murder-of-child/33596016
Berlin father behind bars for murder of child
Jobina Fortson, Reporter
POSTED: 07:16 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
UPDATED: 08:25 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
SNOW HILL, Md. - 32- year- old Gemayel Jarmon of Berlin is behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of his seven- year- old son Geoni.
Beau Oglesby, the Worcester County State’s Attorney says, “It is shocking and unimaginable that someone could do something like that to a completely defenseless child.”
This case stems from 2007 when Geoni was just three months old. He was abused by Jarmon.
Oglesby goes on, “The main injury was a fracture to the head that went from the left ear over to the right side of the head. The amount of force necessary to inflict that type of injury is tremendous.”
The injuries left Geoni in what some would describe as a vegetative state. He couldn't speak, walk, or see and was fed through a feeding tube. As a result, Jarmon was sentenced to fifteen years for child abuse and second degree assault. He received an additional six months for a violation of parole. However, through the courts decision he only ended up serving about five and a half years.
Meanwhile, a family adopted Geoni soon after his abuse. We're told he suffered frequent seizures. Last year, as his adoptive sister was rushing him to the hospital, he suffocated and died at the age of seven.
Oglesby continues, “When a person dies as a result of injuries sustained years prior, it is still appropriate certainly in my position, it's appropriate for someone to be prosecuted for those actions.”
In a letter to 47 ABC dated June 6th, Jarmon blames his son's death on the adoptive family. He alleged that they took too long to get Geoni to the hospital.
Oglesby replies, “Any suggestion by Mr. Jarmon or anyone else that someone else bears responsibility for that baby's death is inappropriate, it's not factually correct and it's offensive.”
On the case board in the Worcester County State's Attorney's office, there is a note describing how Geoni's adopted family described him..."he was perfect." Jarmon has been sentenced to 10 years for the murder.
Oglesby goes on, “Could he get out earlier than ten years from now? Certainly. Will he? That's unknown. That will be decided in large part by his behavior in prison.”
The Worcester County State's Attorney tells says Geoni's adoptive family is pleased with this outcome and right now they're just focused on healing.
As for Jarmon, we’re told he was transported to the diagnostics center in Baltimore to be classified. There, officials will decide which division of corrections facility will best suit him. Apparently that decision process can take several weeks.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
After 8 years, killer dad finally accepts plea deal in death of infant son (Collier County, Florida)
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/crime/jesus-rey-machado-accepts-plea-deal-in-death_00234428
Jesus Rey Machado accepts plea deal in baby's death
Eight years after he was first arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, Jesus Rey Machado Friday accepted a plea deal for 13 years in prison on a lesser charge.
“The court is happy to see that it’s been resolved,” said Collier County Circuit Judge Frederick Hardt. “It should have been resolved a long time ago.”
Machado was the subject of a Daily News story that ran this month highlighting the county’s longer-than-average completion times for child homicide cases in the court system.
Arrested in 2007, Machado was accused of shaking his infant son to death. Machado has said he shook his son to stop one of his seizure episodes and pinched him in an effort to wake the boy, leaving bruises all over his body.
Dad with CONFIRMED history of domestic violence, severe mental illness, and child sexual abuse GETS CUSTODY OF NEWBORN and 2-year old; kills baby within two months (Denver, Colorado)
Just unbelievable incompetence and abuser father coddling.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL HERRON.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Colorado.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/call7-investigators/childs-death-after-being-placed-with-troubled-dad-raises-new-questions-about-denver-human-services
Child's death after being placed with troubled dad raises new questions about Denver Human Services
By: John Ferrugia Posted: 10:55 AM, May 1, 2015
DENVER - Two month D'anthony Herron arrived at the Denver Health emergency room near death, with horrific trauma to his head.
His father, Michael Herron, who was caring for the baby and his two year old brother alone, claimed the infant had fallen off a counter while he was giving D’Anthony a bath.
Herron called his girlfriend and mother of the children telling her there had been an accident.
“I get to the hospital…and they have D'anthony hooked up to all these wires already,” said Amber Lucero, “And they have his head wrapped. And he wasn't even conscious.”
The scene overwhelmed her. “I just broke down and I couldn't believe it,” she said.
Doctors told Amber that her two month old baby had likely been abused by her boyfriend and that his story didn’t match the grave injuries her son had suffered.
“He had a skull fracture,” she said. “He had bleeding in the brain and his brain was swollen and his skull was pushed up and he had suffered from seizures and a stroke.”
Doctors told her there was no hope of saving this tiny child who had been born bright-eyed and healthy.
Now, her baby had nearly no brain function and simply could not survive.
Amber and her mother held the baby for two hours after nurses un-hooked him from life support. “He finally took his last breath,” she said, “And I just remember he went (soft breath) and his had just rolled to the side ... And that is when we just knew."
“Do you think Michael should have had those children by himself?” asked CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia.
“No,” she said through tears, “No.”
A CALL7 investigation has found that Michael Herron had a long history of mental illness, a police record that includes domestic violence and drug use, and a list of referrals -- or complaints -- to Denver Human Services that stretches back to 2002.
In fact, a complaint was made to DHS when D'anthony was born in May of 2014. At the time, the parents were living apart, Michael in transitional housing and Amber in a motel with her mother.
The morning after D’Anthony’s birth, Amber says Michael was in her hospital room.
“He started calling me names. He started calling my mom names. He started getting loud. So security came in,” she said. “Hospital security?” asked Ferrugia.
“Yeah”, she replied, "And he was threatening to take D’Anthony and just leave that day.”
“That's when the social worker came in,” she said.
According to D-H-S documents submitted to juvenile court -- and obtained from the family -- that social worker called DHS.
"Hospital staff concerned about Mr. Herron’s ability to care for D’Anthony and was very angry at the hospital," the document reads.
And there was a second call the following day by an unlisted party.
Records show the complaints were "not accepted" and determined to be "unfounded."
Michael Herron took home the newborn to care for him and their other two-year old son.
Amber says, at the time, she believed the child was given to Michael because he was living in transitional housing at Decatur House, a Mercy Housing Project in Denver.
But she says she was concerned about the children’s safety.
“Because of the way he was with his temper and attitude, I don't think he should have the kids," she said.
Records show that on July 15th, 2014 DHS was called again.
The complaint, or "referral," read: "Heard Mr. Herron screaming at the kids. The next day (his two year old son) had a scratch on his face."
Sources familiar with the investigation tell CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia that there was also concern by the caller that Michael Herron was overwhelmed by caring for the newborn and the two-year old.
Despite all the apparent red flags and concerns about child safety, DHS left the kids with him.
Heron is accused of beating D’Anthony five days later, and doctors found it wasn't the first time the baby had been injured.
"He had previous injuries that were already healing," said Amber. "His ribs were broken."
That is confirmed by the autopsy report obtained by the CALL7 Investigators.
Records confirm that DHS caseworkers and supervisors knew Michael Herron was a serious risk.
In 2013 a complaint was "founded" - or confirmed - for domestic violence. "Mr. Herron was punching and choking Ms. Lucero," the report read.
Again in 2013 a complaint called in was "not accepted."
"Mr. Herron screaming at Ms. Lucero and pushing her,” read the report. “Mr. Herron reports that he does not know how to calm a crying baby.”
In 2009 a complaint was "founded" for "sex abuse."
Michael Herron was arrested for sexually assaulting his daughter by a previous marriage.
The child was 7-years old, and had significant health problems.
While D-H-S was convinced the assault occurred, the charges were dropped as the child may have been too young to testify.
In 2004 D-H-S records show that caseworkers and supervisors knew Michael Herron suffered from mental illness.
"Mr. Herron is bipolar," read he report.
Herron’s father, Danny Herron, told CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia that his son has long suffered from mental problems.
“He started writing suicide notes when he was about seventeen, maybe 18 talking about how he's going to kill himself”, said Danny Herron “So I called the police and they came and got him and took him to this mental hospital,” he said.
“And that's when they diagnosed that he had bi-polar “.
“He had bi-polar disorder?" asked Ferrugia.
Danny Herron nod his head.
Danny Herron is guardian of his granddaughter who made the sexual abuse complaint against Michael Herron when she was 7 years old.... The claim "founded" by DHS.
“Danny, does it make any sense to you that human services, knowing what they knew, gave him children?” asked Ferrugia.
“No, no”, he said. “I don't see why they would have did that at all.”
What's more, amber claims when she and Michael applied for food stamps in 2013 for one of their children, Michael was referred to a mental health facility by DHS for an evaluation.
“He told me they were talking about putting him on medication for being bipolar and schizophrenic,” she said.
Records make clear, and amber admits, the couple was often violent with one another.
In the past, Amber has also pled guilty to domestic violence against Michael Herron and had a protection order filed against her.
But despite all the referrals and complaints to DHS during their tumultuous relationship she says that, other than at the hospital when D’Anthony was dying she has not been interviewed by DHS.
“Have you ever seen a caseworker from Denver Human Services?” asked Ferrugia
“No,” Amber replied.
“Never?" Ferrugia asked.
“No,” she replied.
A spokesman for the Denver Department of Human Services says DHS officials have no comment on the case as they claim they are legally prohibited from talking about the case.
Michael Herron remains in jail, charged with the murder of his two-month old son.
This is yet another case uncovered by an ongoing CALL7 investigation that raises questions about DHS practice, supervision of caseworkers, and judgment in the placement of vulnerable children.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL HERRON.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Colorado.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/call7-investigators/childs-death-after-being-placed-with-troubled-dad-raises-new-questions-about-denver-human-services
Child's death after being placed with troubled dad raises new questions about Denver Human Services
By: John Ferrugia Posted: 10:55 AM, May 1, 2015
DENVER - Two month D'anthony Herron arrived at the Denver Health emergency room near death, with horrific trauma to his head.
His father, Michael Herron, who was caring for the baby and his two year old brother alone, claimed the infant had fallen off a counter while he was giving D’Anthony a bath.
Herron called his girlfriend and mother of the children telling her there had been an accident.
“I get to the hospital…and they have D'anthony hooked up to all these wires already,” said Amber Lucero, “And they have his head wrapped. And he wasn't even conscious.”
The scene overwhelmed her. “I just broke down and I couldn't believe it,” she said.
Doctors told Amber that her two month old baby had likely been abused by her boyfriend and that his story didn’t match the grave injuries her son had suffered.
“He had a skull fracture,” she said. “He had bleeding in the brain and his brain was swollen and his skull was pushed up and he had suffered from seizures and a stroke.”
Doctors told her there was no hope of saving this tiny child who had been born bright-eyed and healthy.
Now, her baby had nearly no brain function and simply could not survive.
Amber and her mother held the baby for two hours after nurses un-hooked him from life support. “He finally took his last breath,” she said, “And I just remember he went (soft breath) and his had just rolled to the side ... And that is when we just knew."
“Do you think Michael should have had those children by himself?” asked CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia.
“No,” she said through tears, “No.”
A CALL7 investigation has found that Michael Herron had a long history of mental illness, a police record that includes domestic violence and drug use, and a list of referrals -- or complaints -- to Denver Human Services that stretches back to 2002.
In fact, a complaint was made to DHS when D'anthony was born in May of 2014. At the time, the parents were living apart, Michael in transitional housing and Amber in a motel with her mother.
The morning after D’Anthony’s birth, Amber says Michael was in her hospital room.
“He started calling me names. He started calling my mom names. He started getting loud. So security came in,” she said. “Hospital security?” asked Ferrugia.
“Yeah”, she replied, "And he was threatening to take D’Anthony and just leave that day.”
“That's when the social worker came in,” she said.
According to D-H-S documents submitted to juvenile court -- and obtained from the family -- that social worker called DHS.
"Hospital staff concerned about Mr. Herron’s ability to care for D’Anthony and was very angry at the hospital," the document reads.
And there was a second call the following day by an unlisted party.
Records show the complaints were "not accepted" and determined to be "unfounded."
Michael Herron took home the newborn to care for him and their other two-year old son.
Amber says, at the time, she believed the child was given to Michael because he was living in transitional housing at Decatur House, a Mercy Housing Project in Denver.
But she says she was concerned about the children’s safety.
“Because of the way he was with his temper and attitude, I don't think he should have the kids," she said.
Records show that on July 15th, 2014 DHS was called again.
The complaint, or "referral," read: "Heard Mr. Herron screaming at the kids. The next day (his two year old son) had a scratch on his face."
Sources familiar with the investigation tell CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia that there was also concern by the caller that Michael Herron was overwhelmed by caring for the newborn and the two-year old.
Despite all the apparent red flags and concerns about child safety, DHS left the kids with him.
Heron is accused of beating D’Anthony five days later, and doctors found it wasn't the first time the baby had been injured.
"He had previous injuries that were already healing," said Amber. "His ribs were broken."
That is confirmed by the autopsy report obtained by the CALL7 Investigators.
Records confirm that DHS caseworkers and supervisors knew Michael Herron was a serious risk.
In 2013 a complaint was "founded" - or confirmed - for domestic violence. "Mr. Herron was punching and choking Ms. Lucero," the report read.
Again in 2013 a complaint called in was "not accepted."
"Mr. Herron screaming at Ms. Lucero and pushing her,” read the report. “Mr. Herron reports that he does not know how to calm a crying baby.”
In 2009 a complaint was "founded" for "sex abuse."
Michael Herron was arrested for sexually assaulting his daughter by a previous marriage.
The child was 7-years old, and had significant health problems.
While D-H-S was convinced the assault occurred, the charges were dropped as the child may have been too young to testify.
In 2004 D-H-S records show that caseworkers and supervisors knew Michael Herron suffered from mental illness.
"Mr. Herron is bipolar," read he report.
Herron’s father, Danny Herron, told CALL7 Investigator John Ferrugia that his son has long suffered from mental problems.
“He started writing suicide notes when he was about seventeen, maybe 18 talking about how he's going to kill himself”, said Danny Herron “So I called the police and they came and got him and took him to this mental hospital,” he said.
“And that's when they diagnosed that he had bi-polar “.
“He had bi-polar disorder?" asked Ferrugia.
Danny Herron nod his head.
Danny Herron is guardian of his granddaughter who made the sexual abuse complaint against Michael Herron when she was 7 years old.... The claim "founded" by DHS.
“Danny, does it make any sense to you that human services, knowing what they knew, gave him children?” asked Ferrugia.
“No, no”, he said. “I don't see why they would have did that at all.”
What's more, amber claims when she and Michael applied for food stamps in 2013 for one of their children, Michael was referred to a mental health facility by DHS for an evaluation.
“He told me they were talking about putting him on medication for being bipolar and schizophrenic,” she said.
Records make clear, and amber admits, the couple was often violent with one another.
In the past, Amber has also pled guilty to domestic violence against Michael Herron and had a protection order filed against her.
But despite all the referrals and complaints to DHS during their tumultuous relationship she says that, other than at the hospital when D’Anthony was dying she has not been interviewed by DHS.
“Have you ever seen a caseworker from Denver Human Services?” asked Ferrugia
“No,” Amber replied.
“Never?" Ferrugia asked.
“No,” she replied.
A spokesman for the Denver Department of Human Services says DHS officials have no comment on the case as they claim they are legally prohibited from talking about the case.
Michael Herron remains in jail, charged with the murder of his two-month old son.
This is yet another case uncovered by an ongoing CALL7 investigation that raises questions about DHS practice, supervision of caseworkers, and judgment in the placement of vulnerable children.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Father arrested for beating 5-month-old baby during custody time (Chico, California)
Wonder if dad DAVID BASSETT has a history of domestic violence and/or child abuse, and still got custody rights anyway. Who was the judge behind this travesty?
http://www.orovillemr.com/general-news/20150409/chico-father-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-baby-causing-bleeding-in-brain
Chico father arrested for allegedly beating baby causing bleeding in brain
By Almendra Carpizo, Chico Enterprise-Record
Posted: 04/09/15, 4:15 PM PDT |
Chico-- Police have arrested a Chico man on suspicion of child abuse after he allegedly hit his 5-month-old baby causing bleeding and swelling in the child’s brain.
David Bassett, 26, was taken into custody Thursday at his home in the 2100 block of Robailey Drive after an investigation into the injuries of a baby treated at Enloe Medical Center on March 24.
According to police, the mother, who is separated from the father, and grandmother of the 5-month-old baby boy took the child to the hospital after he suffered seizures.
“After a custody exchange, the mother and the baby’s maternal grandmother observed physical injury to the child and noticed that the child was not acting normal,” according to a police press release. “Soon after, the baby began suffering from seizures and was transported to the hospital.”
The baby, who had to be transferred to UC Davis Medical Center’s pediatrics department in Sacramento, was in serious condition and had bleeding and swelling in his brain, police said.
Specialists determined the injury was caused by blunt force trauma.
Chico police detectives took over the case and were reportedly able to determine the baby was injured while Bassett was taking care of him, police said. Investigators developed probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant for Bassett’s arrest.
Bassett was booked into Butte County Jail with bail set at $50,000.
The baby has been placed in the custody of his maternal grandmother and is expected to make a full recovery.
http://www.orovillemr.com/general-news/20150409/chico-father-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-baby-causing-bleeding-in-brain
Chico father arrested for allegedly beating baby causing bleeding in brain
By Almendra Carpizo, Chico Enterprise-Record
Posted: 04/09/15, 4:15 PM PDT |
Chico-- Police have arrested a Chico man on suspicion of child abuse after he allegedly hit his 5-month-old baby causing bleeding and swelling in the child’s brain.
David Bassett, 26, was taken into custody Thursday at his home in the 2100 block of Robailey Drive after an investigation into the injuries of a baby treated at Enloe Medical Center on March 24.
According to police, the mother, who is separated from the father, and grandmother of the 5-month-old baby boy took the child to the hospital after he suffered seizures.
“After a custody exchange, the mother and the baby’s maternal grandmother observed physical injury to the child and noticed that the child was not acting normal,” according to a police press release. “Soon after, the baby began suffering from seizures and was transported to the hospital.”
The baby, who had to be transferred to UC Davis Medical Center’s pediatrics department in Sacramento, was in serious condition and had bleeding and swelling in his brain, police said.
Specialists determined the injury was caused by blunt force trauma.
Chico police detectives took over the case and were reportedly able to determine the baby was injured while Bassett was taking care of him, police said. Investigators developed probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant for Bassett’s arrest.
Bassett was booked into Butte County Jail with bail set at $50,000.
The baby has been placed in the custody of his maternal grandmother and is expected to make a full recovery.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Dad charged with aggravated assault of 3-month-old son (York County, Pennsylvania)
Typical case where Mom had to work outside the home to support the family, while the short-tempered father played infant caretaker--badly.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL ANDREW MOSTICK.
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_27585853/west-manchester-township-father-charged-shaking-injuring-infant
West Manchester Township father charged with shaking, injuring infant son
Michael Mostick is charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child
By Teresa Boeckel
Updated: 02/23/2015 11:03:16 PM EST
A West Manchester Township man has been charged with shaking his infant son, resulting in serious injuries, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Michael Andrew Mostick, 41, of the 2400 block of Heather Road, has been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children. He remains in York County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Emergency responders were called to the Mostick residence Feb. 7 for an unresponsive 3-month-old boy as the result of a fall, court papers state. The child's mother was at work at the time. Mostick told a dispatcher that he had fallen because the family's yellow Lab, Jake, bumped into him. After they fell, he told police, the baby cried and all of the sudden became unresponsive, court papers state.
The child was taken to York Hospital, but a CAT scan did not show anything, police said. #The following day, the mother told police, the infant became fussy and would not sleep or eat very well. He also vomited. In the early morning hours of Feb. 9, she contacted the pediatrician's office, and the answering service advised her to go to the emergency room with the child.
While the mother was at the hospital with the child, he began to have seizures, the affidavit states. The child was transported to Hershey Medical Center.
Tests at Hershey Medical Center showed that the child had bleeding on the brain and blood behind the eyes, causing him to not respond to light, the affidavit states. An attending physician also reported the boy's brain had been deprived of oxygen.
Police allege Mostick gave at least three different accounts on how he fell down the steps with his son, the affidavit states. In one case, Mostick said he fell on the child. In another, he said the baby's head hit the wall while falling down the steps. In another, he indicated that while falling down the steps, he grabbed his son around the throat. "Each account is different and he is inconsistent," police wrote in the charging documents.
An expert in pediatric injuries and child abuse at Hershey Medical Center said the boy's injuries were consistent with shaken-baby syndrome, police said. The doctor said none of the father's explanations were consistent with baby's injuries. When an infant is shaken violently, physical symptoms and injuries are almost immediate, the doctor said.
Police said the father was the only person who had access to the baby at the time the injuries occurred.
The boy is no longer in the hospital, Detective David Bixler said Monday afternoon.
"At this point, the child is doing better," he said, but added that the long-term effects of his injuries remain uncertain.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL ANDREW MOSTICK.
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_27585853/west-manchester-township-father-charged-shaking-injuring-infant
West Manchester Township father charged with shaking, injuring infant son
Michael Mostick is charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child
By Teresa Boeckel
Updated: 02/23/2015 11:03:16 PM EST
A West Manchester Township man has been charged with shaking his infant son, resulting in serious injuries, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Michael Andrew Mostick, 41, of the 2400 block of Heather Road, has been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children. He remains in York County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Emergency responders were called to the Mostick residence Feb. 7 for an unresponsive 3-month-old boy as the result of a fall, court papers state. The child's mother was at work at the time. Mostick told a dispatcher that he had fallen because the family's yellow Lab, Jake, bumped into him. After they fell, he told police, the baby cried and all of the sudden became unresponsive, court papers state.
The child was taken to York Hospital, but a CAT scan did not show anything, police said. #The following day, the mother told police, the infant became fussy and would not sleep or eat very well. He also vomited. In the early morning hours of Feb. 9, she contacted the pediatrician's office, and the answering service advised her to go to the emergency room with the child.
While the mother was at the hospital with the child, he began to have seizures, the affidavit states. The child was transported to Hershey Medical Center.
Tests at Hershey Medical Center showed that the child had bleeding on the brain and blood behind the eyes, causing him to not respond to light, the affidavit states. An attending physician also reported the boy's brain had been deprived of oxygen.
Police allege Mostick gave at least three different accounts on how he fell down the steps with his son, the affidavit states. In one case, Mostick said he fell on the child. In another, he said the baby's head hit the wall while falling down the steps. In another, he indicated that while falling down the steps, he grabbed his son around the throat. "Each account is different and he is inconsistent," police wrote in the charging documents.
An expert in pediatric injuries and child abuse at Hershey Medical Center said the boy's injuries were consistent with shaken-baby syndrome, police said. The doctor said none of the father's explanations were consistent with baby's injuries. When an infant is shaken violently, physical symptoms and injuries are almost immediate, the doctor said.
Police said the father was the only person who had access to the baby at the time the injuries occurred.
The boy is no longer in the hospital, Detective David Bixler said Monday afternoon.
"At this point, the child is doing better," he said, but added that the long-term effects of his injuries remain uncertain.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Custodial dad with history of domestic assault charged in abuse death of 3-year-old daughter (La Crosse County, Wisconsin)
So basically Daddy and his girlfriend tortured his 3-year-old daughter to death.
That's sickening enough. But what is left unsaid and unexplained is just as horrifying. Who made the decision to take this little girl away from her mother and give custody to a father with a previous CONVICTION for domestic assault? Let's start seeing names. Because the people who delivered this poor little girl to this vicious freak are just as responsible.
Dad is identified as DYLAN BARTSH.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/holmen-father-girlfriend-charged-in-toddler-s-death/article_c8a5d419-617b-5e7c-80a0-7892ac513266.html
Holmen father, girlfriend charged in toddler’s death
19 hours ago • By Anne Jungen
A Holmen father and his girlfriend beat a malnourished 3-year-old girl, subjected her to 10-hour timeouts and may have forced to eat salt before her Oct. 31 death, according to court records.
Prosecutors Tuesday charged Dylan Bartsh, 30, and Jaymie Rundle, 24, with child neglect resulting in death and physical abuse of a child, both as party to the crime, in La Crosse County Circuit Court.
The toddler died at a hospital after a seizure three days earlier, when doctors discovered she was emaciated with bruises, scratches and scarring on her face and body, according to the complaint.
A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide and during autopsy discovered contusions to her head, a black eye, fingernail and bite marks, injuries inflicted by an object similar to a wire hanger and chronic malnutrition and dehydration.
The autopsy also found elevated levels of table salt contributed to her death. The medical examiner could not rule out that she was forced to eat salt after finding injuries to her mouth, cheeks and jaw, the complaint states.
Bartsh and Rundle, who together have other four children, took custody of his daughter in May 2013 from her biological mother.
Bartsh told investigators that his daughter’s life was a “challenge” and that she stopped eating two weeks before her death, according to the complaint. He blamed her sodium levels on PediaSure and Ensure consumption.
The other children reported the couple forced the toddler into timeouts in the shower and spanked the child with a fly swatter, the complaint states.
Bartsh’s mother, who wasn’t allowed to visit her grandchild, told police the victim was put on timeout for 10 hours. The grandmother photographed the child’s injuries.
Bartsh, who lives now in Altura, Minn., is in the Winona County Jail awaiting extradition to Wisconsin. Rundle is housed in the La Crosse County Jail and expected to make her first court appearance Wednesday.
Bartsh was convicted of domestic assault in Winona County District Court in 2008 and 2012, according to court records. The 2008 conviction stemmed from an incident where he was accused of brandishing a steak knife and threatening and hitting a woman in the presence of a small child.
That's sickening enough. But what is left unsaid and unexplained is just as horrifying. Who made the decision to take this little girl away from her mother and give custody to a father with a previous CONVICTION for domestic assault? Let's start seeing names. Because the people who delivered this poor little girl to this vicious freak are just as responsible.
Dad is identified as DYLAN BARTSH.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/holmen-father-girlfriend-charged-in-toddler-s-death/article_c8a5d419-617b-5e7c-80a0-7892ac513266.html
Holmen father, girlfriend charged in toddler’s death
19 hours ago • By Anne Jungen
A Holmen father and his girlfriend beat a malnourished 3-year-old girl, subjected her to 10-hour timeouts and may have forced to eat salt before her Oct. 31 death, according to court records.
Prosecutors Tuesday charged Dylan Bartsh, 30, and Jaymie Rundle, 24, with child neglect resulting in death and physical abuse of a child, both as party to the crime, in La Crosse County Circuit Court.
The toddler died at a hospital after a seizure three days earlier, when doctors discovered she was emaciated with bruises, scratches and scarring on her face and body, according to the complaint.
A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide and during autopsy discovered contusions to her head, a black eye, fingernail and bite marks, injuries inflicted by an object similar to a wire hanger and chronic malnutrition and dehydration.
The autopsy also found elevated levels of table salt contributed to her death. The medical examiner could not rule out that she was forced to eat salt after finding injuries to her mouth, cheeks and jaw, the complaint states.
Bartsh and Rundle, who together have other four children, took custody of his daughter in May 2013 from her biological mother.
Bartsh told investigators that his daughter’s life was a “challenge” and that she stopped eating two weeks before her death, according to the complaint. He blamed her sodium levels on PediaSure and Ensure consumption.
The other children reported the couple forced the toddler into timeouts in the shower and spanked the child with a fly swatter, the complaint states.
Bartsh’s mother, who wasn’t allowed to visit her grandchild, told police the victim was put on timeout for 10 hours. The grandmother photographed the child’s injuries.
Bartsh, who lives now in Altura, Minn., is in the Winona County Jail awaiting extradition to Wisconsin. Rundle is housed in the La Crosse County Jail and expected to make her first court appearance Wednesday.
Bartsh was convicted of domestic assault in Winona County District Court in 2008 and 2012, according to court records. The 2008 conviction stemmed from an incident where he was accused of brandishing a steak knife and threatening and hitting a woman in the presence of a small child.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Dad's abuse leaves 6-week-old baby permanently disabled; gets 5 years in prison (Perth, Australia)
UNNAMED DAD
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-14/father-jailed-for-shaking-baby-son2c-leaving-him-disabled/6098530
Father who left baby son disabled after shaking him jailed for five years
By Joanna Menagh Posted Fri at 5:39pmFri 13 Feb 2015, 5:39pm
A 35-year-old Perth father who shook his six-week-old son and left him permanently disabled has been sentenced to five years' jail.
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to the baby in the days before Christmas in December 2013.
Whilst the exact cause of the child's injuries was not known, the District Court was told medical experts believe they were most likely the result of him being vigorously shaken.
The child, who is now 15 months old, suffered a serious brain injury.
He was left permanently blind in one eye and there was a strong risk he would develop cerebral palsy.
However, the court heard that because of his young age, medical experts were not able to definitively list the permanent injuries he would suffer.
The injuries came to light after the baby was taken to the Joondalup Health Campus by his mother because he was suffering seizures.
In police interviews, the father said he had gone to the child in the middle of the night because he was crying.
Father 'frustrated at constant crying'
The man initially said he had "no recollection" of doing anything, but later he admitted he may have dropped the baby onto a lounge because he was frustrated about his constant crying.
He also said it was possible he had shaken the child, but not violently. Judge Simon Stone said the crime was "a serious instance of aggravated grievous bodily harm".
"You owed your child a duty to support and protect that child," he said. "I accept it's not a case of deliberate infliction of serious injury, but your actions constitute a profound breach of trust ... as a father to a helpless infant who was entitled to look to you for care and protection.
"You've ruined his life from a very young age ... There is a need for general deterrence in cases such as this."
However, Judge Stone accepted that the man was remorseful and that the offence was out of character.
He also gave him a discounted sentence because of his plea of guilty.
The man will have to serve three years before he can be released on parole.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-14/father-jailed-for-shaking-baby-son2c-leaving-him-disabled/6098530
Father who left baby son disabled after shaking him jailed for five years
By Joanna Menagh Posted Fri at 5:39pmFri 13 Feb 2015, 5:39pm
A 35-year-old Perth father who shook his six-week-old son and left him permanently disabled has been sentenced to five years' jail.
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to the baby in the days before Christmas in December 2013.
Whilst the exact cause of the child's injuries was not known, the District Court was told medical experts believe they were most likely the result of him being vigorously shaken.
The child, who is now 15 months old, suffered a serious brain injury.
He was left permanently blind in one eye and there was a strong risk he would develop cerebral palsy.
However, the court heard that because of his young age, medical experts were not able to definitively list the permanent injuries he would suffer.
The injuries came to light after the baby was taken to the Joondalup Health Campus by his mother because he was suffering seizures.
In police interviews, the father said he had gone to the child in the middle of the night because he was crying.
Father 'frustrated at constant crying'
The man initially said he had "no recollection" of doing anything, but later he admitted he may have dropped the baby onto a lounge because he was frustrated about his constant crying.
He also said it was possible he had shaken the child, but not violently. Judge Simon Stone said the crime was "a serious instance of aggravated grievous bodily harm".
"You owed your child a duty to support and protect that child," he said. "I accept it's not a case of deliberate infliction of serious injury, but your actions constitute a profound breach of trust ... as a father to a helpless infant who was entitled to look to you for care and protection.
"You've ruined his life from a very young age ... There is a need for general deterrence in cases such as this."
However, Judge Stone accepted that the man was remorseful and that the offence was out of character.
He also gave him a discounted sentence because of his plea of guilty.
The man will have to serve three years before he can be released on parole.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Dad on trial for felony murder in beating death of 2-year-old son; father only "involved" due to paternity test (Lynchburg, Virginia)
Dad is identified as OLIVER SEIGEFRED FELIX.
Why it is a bad idea to "involve" a father who otherwise couldn't be bothered except for a paternity test. These guys are inevitably not bonded to the mother or the child. And they certainly resent child support....All these factors put the baby at severe risk.
http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/trial-underway-for-man-accused-in-the-death-of-/article_d540002c-acad-11e4-a365-df0da62cc12f.html
Trial underway for man accused in the death of 2-year-old child
Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 3:38 pm
Justin Faulconer
Happy, playful 2-year-old Simeon Tyler left his mother’s care to walk over to his father on April 18, 2013 to be picked up as his mother went to work, prosecutors told a jury in Lynchburg Circuit Court on Wednesday.
But hours later, Oliver Seigefred Felix suddenly returned the injured child to his mother Sharhonda Tyler in a barely conscious state and suffering from seizures, Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Janell Johnson said in her opening remarks the first day of a trial against Felix, accused of felony murder in the toddler’s death.
Leigh Drewry, Felix’s attorney, told jurors the commonwealth’s version of events was not as simple as Johnson laid out and the injuries took place over time and not solely at his client’s hands.
“This was not all caused on one day in the course of a few hours and it was not all Mr. Felix’s fault,” Drewry said.
Felix, 40, of Lynchburg, also is charged with child abuse and child endangerment. Simeon Tyler was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital with significant injuries on April 18, 2013 and was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center for emergency care. He died nine days later.
Johnson said in court Wednesday Felix became involved in Simeon’s life only after a paternity test. He agreed to watch his son a couple days per week while Sharhonda Tyler worked. On April 18, 2013, Johnson said Felix called Sharhonda Tyler and said: “your son’s not breathing.”
Felix did not immediately call 911 or rush Simeon to a hospital and instead went in the opposite direction to meet Simeon’s mother at her job on Timberlake Road. Scans showed Simeon suffered an injury to his brain, which caused bleeding and swelling.
Emergency surgery was performed, Johnson said. X-rays of the boy’s chest showed he had several rib fractures and doctors said a “type of force” was necessary to cause those injuries along with hemorrhaging behind his eyes, Johnson said.
The damage would have left Simeon unable to walk, eat or play and doctors believe they were not caused by a simple fall or a bump on the head, Johnson said. The trauma came from shaking the boy’s body so hard his brain to shake violently inside the skull, she said.
Drewry said the injuries were “complicated.” Simeon suffered an earlier stroke and “injuries took place after a matter of days,” he said.
The jury of eight men and six women would have to consider who had the child, when they had him and other participants, Drewry said, stopping short of identifying names.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison played a 911 call a co-worker and friend of Sharhonda Tyler’s testified she made when Felix dropped Simeon off. Earlier that morning the friend said Simeon was “being his normal self” but suddenly he was unresponsive in his mother’s arms, eyes rolled back in his head and showing no movement at all.
Todd Davis of the Lynchburg Fire Department testified he responded to the scene at about 5:30 p.m. and started patient care as Simeon was displaying “seizure-like activity.” The boy was unconscious and breathing poorly, Davis testified.
An emergency room nurse at Lynchburg General Hospital said Simeon was unresponsive and transferred by helicopter to UVa. The nurse testified Felix told her he came out of the bedroom and saw his son was slumped over and put him to bed.
The nurse said Felix told her he tried to wake up Simeon but he wasn’t successful and the child’s jaw was clenched. He called the mother to say Simeon wasn’t acting right, the nurse testified.
John Jane Jr., a pediatric neurosurgeon at UVa, performed brain surgery on Simeon on April 18. Jane testified Simeon was suffering from increased brain pressure and surgery was designed to alleviate it.
The boy’s chances of making a good recovery were low, Jane said, so he made what he believed was the heroic measure to pursue surgery, which he said he felt was the best that could be done to give the child a chance. He survived nine days until he was declared brain dead. Jane said he believes the surgery was the reason Simeon’s life was prolonged.
Simeon’s head and neck had sustained a forceful trauma, Jane said. Harrison asked if a simple fall could have caused such injuries and Jane responded the injuries were not consistent with a fall from a standing position or from a distance such as a bed.
A large portion of the left side of his brain was swollen, which would leave the right side of his body weak, Jane said.
“He would not be speaking, walking, talking,” he said.
Felix, in a black suit and a purple tie, was silent and attentive during the proceedings Wednesday. Though the events took place in 2013, he wasn’t arrested until March after a grand jury indictment.
The jury selection Wednesday was impacted by a delay after the courthouse was evacuated because of a bomb threat. Judge F. Patrick Yeatts said it was not how the opening day of the jury trial was scripted but told jurors the threat had nothing to do with the Felix case.
Prosecutors will resume calling witnesses at 9 a.m. today.
Why it is a bad idea to "involve" a father who otherwise couldn't be bothered except for a paternity test. These guys are inevitably not bonded to the mother or the child. And they certainly resent child support....All these factors put the baby at severe risk.
http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/trial-underway-for-man-accused-in-the-death-of-/article_d540002c-acad-11e4-a365-df0da62cc12f.html
Trial underway for man accused in the death of 2-year-old child
Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 3:38 pm
Justin Faulconer
Happy, playful 2-year-old Simeon Tyler left his mother’s care to walk over to his father on April 18, 2013 to be picked up as his mother went to work, prosecutors told a jury in Lynchburg Circuit Court on Wednesday.
But hours later, Oliver Seigefred Felix suddenly returned the injured child to his mother Sharhonda Tyler in a barely conscious state and suffering from seizures, Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Janell Johnson said in her opening remarks the first day of a trial against Felix, accused of felony murder in the toddler’s death.
Leigh Drewry, Felix’s attorney, told jurors the commonwealth’s version of events was not as simple as Johnson laid out and the injuries took place over time and not solely at his client’s hands.
“This was not all caused on one day in the course of a few hours and it was not all Mr. Felix’s fault,” Drewry said.
Felix, 40, of Lynchburg, also is charged with child abuse and child endangerment. Simeon Tyler was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital with significant injuries on April 18, 2013 and was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center for emergency care. He died nine days later.
Johnson said in court Wednesday Felix became involved in Simeon’s life only after a paternity test. He agreed to watch his son a couple days per week while Sharhonda Tyler worked. On April 18, 2013, Johnson said Felix called Sharhonda Tyler and said: “your son’s not breathing.”
Felix did not immediately call 911 or rush Simeon to a hospital and instead went in the opposite direction to meet Simeon’s mother at her job on Timberlake Road. Scans showed Simeon suffered an injury to his brain, which caused bleeding and swelling.
Emergency surgery was performed, Johnson said. X-rays of the boy’s chest showed he had several rib fractures and doctors said a “type of force” was necessary to cause those injuries along with hemorrhaging behind his eyes, Johnson said.
The damage would have left Simeon unable to walk, eat or play and doctors believe they were not caused by a simple fall or a bump on the head, Johnson said. The trauma came from shaking the boy’s body so hard his brain to shake violently inside the skull, she said.
Drewry said the injuries were “complicated.” Simeon suffered an earlier stroke and “injuries took place after a matter of days,” he said.
The jury of eight men and six women would have to consider who had the child, when they had him and other participants, Drewry said, stopping short of identifying names.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison played a 911 call a co-worker and friend of Sharhonda Tyler’s testified she made when Felix dropped Simeon off. Earlier that morning the friend said Simeon was “being his normal self” but suddenly he was unresponsive in his mother’s arms, eyes rolled back in his head and showing no movement at all.
Todd Davis of the Lynchburg Fire Department testified he responded to the scene at about 5:30 p.m. and started patient care as Simeon was displaying “seizure-like activity.” The boy was unconscious and breathing poorly, Davis testified.
An emergency room nurse at Lynchburg General Hospital said Simeon was unresponsive and transferred by helicopter to UVa. The nurse testified Felix told her he came out of the bedroom and saw his son was slumped over and put him to bed.
The nurse said Felix told her he tried to wake up Simeon but he wasn’t successful and the child’s jaw was clenched. He called the mother to say Simeon wasn’t acting right, the nurse testified.
John Jane Jr., a pediatric neurosurgeon at UVa, performed brain surgery on Simeon on April 18. Jane testified Simeon was suffering from increased brain pressure and surgery was designed to alleviate it.
The boy’s chances of making a good recovery were low, Jane said, so he made what he believed was the heroic measure to pursue surgery, which he said he felt was the best that could be done to give the child a chance. He survived nine days until he was declared brain dead. Jane said he believes the surgery was the reason Simeon’s life was prolonged.
Simeon’s head and neck had sustained a forceful trauma, Jane said. Harrison asked if a simple fall could have caused such injuries and Jane responded the injuries were not consistent with a fall from a standing position or from a distance such as a bed.
A large portion of the left side of his brain was swollen, which would leave the right side of his body weak, Jane said.
“He would not be speaking, walking, talking,” he said.
Felix, in a black suit and a purple tie, was silent and attentive during the proceedings Wednesday. Though the events took place in 2013, he wasn’t arrested until March after a grand jury indictment.
The jury selection Wednesday was impacted by a delay after the courthouse was evacuated because of a bomb threat. Judge F. Patrick Yeatts said it was not how the opening day of the jury trial was scripted but told jurors the threat had nothing to do with the Felix case.
Prosecutors will resume calling witnesses at 9 a.m. today.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Custodial dad, girlfriend arrested for abusing 23-month-old boy; toddler has skull fracture, brain injury - what happened to the mother? (Omaha, Nebraska)
As very often happens in these accounts, the abusive father's custodial status is basically hidden and has to be teased out. The clues?
1) The reference to this being JOSHUA POWELL's son--but not Erika Duckworth's.
2) Erica Duckworth is referred to as the girlfriend (in paragraph 6), not as the mother. Though you could miss this with all the references to the "couple."
3) It took 10 days for the "couple" to seek medical attention during which time there was apparently no interaction with the boy's mother, who has been written out of this story entirely.
So who gave an abusive father like Joshua Powell custody and why? What happened to this little boy's mother??? Was she subjected to similar treatment?
http://www.ketv.com/news/Couple-booked-after-child-suffers-skull-fracture-experiences-seizures/30851968
Couple booked after child suffers skull fracture, experiences seizures
Joshua Powell, Erika Ducksworth charged in connection with case
Published 9:11 PM CST Jan 21, 2015
OMAHA, Neb. —Doctors said a toddler’s injuries are not consistent with a couple’s story. #The couple, Joshua Powell and Erika Ducksworth, told police Powell’s 23-month-old son fell from a couch Jan. 2 and hit his head on a tile floor. They said he seemed fine, so they didn’t seek medical attention.
Ten days later, the boy was stiff and wouldn’t wake up. Court records indicate the couple took the child to the hospital after 13 hours.
Physicians at Nebraska Medicine saw the child had an eye injury and death of brain tissue due to lack of oxygen.
“This baby suffers from very serious injuries,” said Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. “Probably the most serious is a skull fracture, along with other significant injuries.”
Doctors said a retinal hemorrhage was the result of blunt-force trauma and “not consistent with a fall from a couch.” They said they believe the child seized all night without medical care until Powell brought his son to the hospital.
“The baby wasn’t taken to the hospital immediately after the injuries, it suffered these injuries, which is one issue, of course, we have with the father and his girlfriend,” Kleine said.
Kleine said his office has filed a petition in juvenile court to sever the couples’ ties with the child and protect four others in their home.
Powell and Ducksworth are each charged with intentional child abuse with serious injury.
Those charges, however, could change. Kleine said officials will be monitoring the baby’s health on a daily basis with medical staffers.
“Depending on the child’s condition and the child improving or not improving, that could change the charges,” Kleine said.
Nebraska Medicine indicated the boy was in fair condition Wednesday. An affidavit indicated Powell and Ducksworth told police they had no idea how the child got the other injuries, but said they should have sought medical attention.
Powell and Ducksworth will be in court for an arraignment on felony child abuse charges Thursday afternoon.
1) The reference to this being JOSHUA POWELL's son--but not Erika Duckworth's.
2) Erica Duckworth is referred to as the girlfriend (in paragraph 6), not as the mother. Though you could miss this with all the references to the "couple."
3) It took 10 days for the "couple" to seek medical attention during which time there was apparently no interaction with the boy's mother, who has been written out of this story entirely.
So who gave an abusive father like Joshua Powell custody and why? What happened to this little boy's mother??? Was she subjected to similar treatment?
http://www.ketv.com/news/Couple-booked-after-child-suffers-skull-fracture-experiences-seizures/30851968
Couple booked after child suffers skull fracture, experiences seizures
Joshua Powell, Erika Ducksworth charged in connection with case
Published 9:11 PM CST Jan 21, 2015
OMAHA, Neb. —Doctors said a toddler’s injuries are not consistent with a couple’s story. #The couple, Joshua Powell and Erika Ducksworth, told police Powell’s 23-month-old son fell from a couch Jan. 2 and hit his head on a tile floor. They said he seemed fine, so they didn’t seek medical attention.
Ten days later, the boy was stiff and wouldn’t wake up. Court records indicate the couple took the child to the hospital after 13 hours.
Physicians at Nebraska Medicine saw the child had an eye injury and death of brain tissue due to lack of oxygen.
“This baby suffers from very serious injuries,” said Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. “Probably the most serious is a skull fracture, along with other significant injuries.”
Doctors said a retinal hemorrhage was the result of blunt-force trauma and “not consistent with a fall from a couch.” They said they believe the child seized all night without medical care until Powell brought his son to the hospital.
“The baby wasn’t taken to the hospital immediately after the injuries, it suffered these injuries, which is one issue, of course, we have with the father and his girlfriend,” Kleine said.
Kleine said his office has filed a petition in juvenile court to sever the couples’ ties with the child and protect four others in their home.
Powell and Ducksworth are each charged with intentional child abuse with serious injury.
Those charges, however, could change. Kleine said officials will be monitoring the baby’s health on a daily basis with medical staffers.
“Depending on the child’s condition and the child improving or not improving, that could change the charges,” Kleine said.
Nebraska Medicine indicated the boy was in fair condition Wednesday. An affidavit indicated Powell and Ducksworth told police they had no idea how the child got the other injuries, but said they should have sought medical attention.
Powell and Ducksworth will be in court for an arraignment on felony child abuse charges Thursday afternoon.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Dad pleads guilty to felony child abuse involving 6-week-old daughter (Joplin, Missouri)
Dad is identified as CODY W. WILLIAMS.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/joplin-father-pleads-guilty-in-shaken-baby-case/article_7ec69cc6-67dc-535d-b1c9-cfe6874b801c.html
Joplin father pleads guilty in shaken-baby case
Posted: Monday, November 3, 2014 7:35 pm
By Jeff Lehr
A young Joplin father pleaded guilty Monday to a felony count of child abuse in a shaken-baby case.
Cody W. Williams, 26, changed his plea to guilty at a hearing in Jasper County Circuit Court in a plea agreement with the prosecutor's office. His plea bargain would limit the sentence he might receive to no more than 10 years. Williams had been facing the possibility of being assessed up to 15 years for causing a brain injury to his 6-week-old daughter.
Circuit Judge David Dally delayed formal acceptance or rejection of the plea deal and ordered the completion of a sentencing-assessment report on Williams. The judge set a sentencing hearing for Dec. 29.
Williams and the baby's mother brought her to the emergency room of Freeman Hospital West on Jan. 2. The infant, who was having seizures, was flown by medical helicopter to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Doctors soon determined that the girl had suffered shaken-baby injuries.
The father was interviewed by investigators and arrested the same day. A probable-cause affidavit states that he admitted shaking the girl inside their home.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/joplin-father-pleads-guilty-in-shaken-baby-case/article_7ec69cc6-67dc-535d-b1c9-cfe6874b801c.html
Joplin father pleads guilty in shaken-baby case
Posted: Monday, November 3, 2014 7:35 pm
By Jeff Lehr
A young Joplin father pleaded guilty Monday to a felony count of child abuse in a shaken-baby case.
Cody W. Williams, 26, changed his plea to guilty at a hearing in Jasper County Circuit Court in a plea agreement with the prosecutor's office. His plea bargain would limit the sentence he might receive to no more than 10 years. Williams had been facing the possibility of being assessed up to 15 years for causing a brain injury to his 6-week-old daughter.
Circuit Judge David Dally delayed formal acceptance or rejection of the plea deal and ordered the completion of a sentencing-assessment report on Williams. The judge set a sentencing hearing for Dec. 29.
Williams and the baby's mother brought her to the emergency room of Freeman Hospital West on Jan. 2. The infant, who was having seizures, was flown by medical helicopter to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Doctors soon determined that the girl had suffered shaken-baby injuries.
The father was interviewed by investigators and arrested the same day. A probable-cause affidavit states that he admitted shaking the girl inside their home.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Dad pleads guilty to abusing 3-week-old daughter; baby has "catastrophic injuries" (Canberra, Australia)
UNNAMED DAD
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/baby-shaken-by-father-suffered-catastrophic-injuries-court-hears-20141031-11exss.html
Baby shaken by father suffered 'catastrophic injuries', court hears
Date October 31, 2014
Megan Gorrey
Reporter at The Canberra Times
The maternal grandmother of a baby who suffered "catastrophic" brain injuries after her father shook her on two occasions has broken down as she told a court the toddler could not crawl or feed herself and faced a lifetime of depending on others.
The girl's father, 23, pleaded not guilty to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm on the baby in December 2010 and a trial was set to start in the ACT Supreme Court in October.
But it did not go ahead after the Canberra man instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of negligently causing grievous bodily harm.
The father was left alone with the three-week-old girl in December 2010 while the mother went to the shops, court documents said.
The baby's mother grew concerned about her daughter when she returned home and found she was still, pale and cold. She noticed she was crying but not opening her eyes.
The child was rushed to hospital, where she had multiple seizures.
Medical tests showed the baby suffered a lack of oxygen to her brain and parts of the tissue had died.
She was airlifted to a Sydney hospital.
Her symptoms suggested the baby had suffered significant acceleration injury, which was consistent with being shaken.
In January 2011, the offender admitted to family he had shaken his daughter on two occasions when he became frustrated by her crying.
He later made further admissions to shaking the baby in text messages with the baby's mother and an unknown person, and said he was ashamed of what happened, court documents said.
During a committal hearing earlier this year, a doctor described the baby's brain injury as "catastrophic" and said there had been further damage and continued decay to the brain.
He said the girl was likely severely disabled as a result of the injury.
The baby's maternal grandmother sobbed as she read a victim impact system in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday.
She said her daughter had been "stressed and anxious" when the baby fell ill and before she later learned the father shook her.
"That was the moment my girl's world fell apart," she said. "I found her hysterically crying in the [hospital] ward, unable to tell me what happened.
"When she did, the horror was inexplicable."
The woman said the initial prognosis for the baby was "extremely bleak" and doctors could not fully predict the extent of her injuries.
She said her granddaughter, now three years old, could not feed, dress, wash or bathe herself.
Her vocabulary was limited and she couldn't crawl, stand or walk.
"She will be forever and totally dependant on others for all acts of daily living."
The woman said her daughter had felt the physical, mental, emotional and financial pressures of having to look after the girl's "constant and consistent daily needs".
The toddler was unlikely to ever get married, have a job, or make a sandwich, her grandmother said.
She said her daughter had been "sentenced to a lifetime of caring for a child with a disability and all that entails", while the child faced "a lifetime of depending on others".
"Every day she is reminded of the trauma of what happened and of what might have been," she said. "It will never end for her."
The woman said the offender might not have had a legal obligation to confess he shook the baby, but he had a moral responsibility.
"The right thing to do would have been to have admitted it at the time," she said.
Defence witness Kenneth Byrne, a clinical psychologist, told the court the man had an intellectual impairment and suffered from a major affective disorder.
Dr Byrne said the man told him he felt guilty about what happened and he had "to live with that every day".
"He said to me 'In the end it's not good enough. I could have rung someone, I could have called my mum. It was the wrong thing to do.'"
He said those thoughts were impressive for someone with the offender's mental capacity.
"I re-established in my own mind his view of contrition over what happened," Dr Byrne said.
Chief Justice Helen Murrell ordered a report on the child's medical condition be prepared ahead of a court appearance next month.
She will hand down her sentence on November 14.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/baby-shaken-by-father-suffered-catastrophic-injuries-court-hears-20141031-11exss.html
Baby shaken by father suffered 'catastrophic injuries', court hears
Date October 31, 2014
Megan Gorrey
Reporter at The Canberra Times
The maternal grandmother of a baby who suffered "catastrophic" brain injuries after her father shook her on two occasions has broken down as she told a court the toddler could not crawl or feed herself and faced a lifetime of depending on others.
The girl's father, 23, pleaded not guilty to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm on the baby in December 2010 and a trial was set to start in the ACT Supreme Court in October.
But it did not go ahead after the Canberra man instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of negligently causing grievous bodily harm.
The father was left alone with the three-week-old girl in December 2010 while the mother went to the shops, court documents said.
The baby's mother grew concerned about her daughter when she returned home and found she was still, pale and cold. She noticed she was crying but not opening her eyes.
The child was rushed to hospital, where she had multiple seizures.
Medical tests showed the baby suffered a lack of oxygen to her brain and parts of the tissue had died.
She was airlifted to a Sydney hospital.
Her symptoms suggested the baby had suffered significant acceleration injury, which was consistent with being shaken.
In January 2011, the offender admitted to family he had shaken his daughter on two occasions when he became frustrated by her crying.
He later made further admissions to shaking the baby in text messages with the baby's mother and an unknown person, and said he was ashamed of what happened, court documents said.
During a committal hearing earlier this year, a doctor described the baby's brain injury as "catastrophic" and said there had been further damage and continued decay to the brain.
He said the girl was likely severely disabled as a result of the injury.
The baby's maternal grandmother sobbed as she read a victim impact system in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday.
She said her daughter had been "stressed and anxious" when the baby fell ill and before she later learned the father shook her.
"That was the moment my girl's world fell apart," she said. "I found her hysterically crying in the [hospital] ward, unable to tell me what happened.
"When she did, the horror was inexplicable."
The woman said the initial prognosis for the baby was "extremely bleak" and doctors could not fully predict the extent of her injuries.
She said her granddaughter, now three years old, could not feed, dress, wash or bathe herself.
Her vocabulary was limited and she couldn't crawl, stand or walk.
"She will be forever and totally dependant on others for all acts of daily living."
The woman said her daughter had felt the physical, mental, emotional and financial pressures of having to look after the girl's "constant and consistent daily needs".
The toddler was unlikely to ever get married, have a job, or make a sandwich, her grandmother said.
She said her daughter had been "sentenced to a lifetime of caring for a child with a disability and all that entails", while the child faced "a lifetime of depending on others".
"Every day she is reminded of the trauma of what happened and of what might have been," she said. "It will never end for her."
The woman said the offender might not have had a legal obligation to confess he shook the baby, but he had a moral responsibility.
"The right thing to do would have been to have admitted it at the time," she said.
Defence witness Kenneth Byrne, a clinical psychologist, told the court the man had an intellectual impairment and suffered from a major affective disorder.
Dr Byrne said the man told him he felt guilty about what happened and he had "to live with that every day".
"He said to me 'In the end it's not good enough. I could have rung someone, I could have called my mum. It was the wrong thing to do.'"
He said those thoughts were impressive for someone with the offender's mental capacity.
"I re-established in my own mind his view of contrition over what happened," Dr Byrne said.
Chief Justice Helen Murrell ordered a report on the child's medical condition be prepared ahead of a court appearance next month.
She will hand down her sentence on November 14.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Violent dad to be sentenced for assault on 4-month-old son; baby now has 30 seizures a day from brain damage (United Kingdom)
Dad is identified as LUKE KERWIN.
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/VIOLENT-DAD-Luke-Kerwin-Sinfin-awaits-sentence/story-23402106-detail/story.html
VIOLENT DAD: Luke Kerwin, of Sinfin, to be sentenced today for brutal assault on four-month-old Mason
By Derby Telegraph | Posted: October 24, 2014
Luke Kerwin will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court tomorrow
A FATHER who lost his temper and shook his fourth-month-old son so hard he now suffers 30 seizures a day will today be punished for his actions.
Luke Kerwin, of Athol Close, Sinfin, appeared at Derby Crown Court, sitting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, yesterday.
The 25-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his son, Mason, by shaking him in April 2012.
Judge Jonathan Gosling heard the facts of the case and Kerwin’s mitigation and adjourned sentencing to the same court today.
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/VIOLENT-DAD-Luke-Kerwin-Sinfin-awaits-sentence/story-23402106-detail/story.html
VIOLENT DAD: Luke Kerwin, of Sinfin, to be sentenced today for brutal assault on four-month-old Mason
By Derby Telegraph | Posted: October 24, 2014
Luke Kerwin will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court tomorrow
A FATHER who lost his temper and shook his fourth-month-old son so hard he now suffers 30 seizures a day will today be punished for his actions.
Luke Kerwin, of Athol Close, Sinfin, appeared at Derby Crown Court, sitting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, yesterday.
The 25-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his son, Mason, by shaking him in April 2012.
Judge Jonathan Gosling heard the facts of the case and Kerwin’s mitigation and adjourned sentencing to the same court today.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Dad charged with violently shaking 2-month-old son, causing baby to have seizures (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin)
Dad is identified as CASEY R. HANNEMAN.
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/crime/2014/09/08/grand-rapids-shaken-baby-seizures-child-abuse/15289367/
Father charged with child abuse in shaken baby case
Karen Madden, Daily Tribune Media 1:03 p.m. CDT September 8, 2014
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A 31-year-old Grand Rapids man authorities say shook his 2-month-old son, causing the baby to have seizures, made his initial appearance Monday in Wood County Circuit Court.
Wood County Circuit Judge Todd Wolf set a $10,000 signature bond for Casey R. Hanneman during the initial appearance. Hanneman is charged with child abuse, and, if convicted, faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, at 1 a.m. July 19, the baby's crying woke Hanneman, who got up to feed him. Hanneman fed the baby his formula, but the baby wouldn't stop crying. Hanneman gripped the baby beneath both armpits, shook him and said "Please stop crying," according to the complaint.
The baby began choking and went limp, according to the complaint. Hanneman and the baby's mother immediately took the child to Riverview Medical Center, but they left without having him checked when the baby appeared to return to normal.
During the next few days, the baby suffered two seizures, according to the criminal complaint. He was admitted to the Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Marshfield. A child abuse expert determined the baby suffered injuries consistent with "shaken baby syndrome," according to the complaint.
As a condition of the bond, Hanneman can have no contact with the baby, anyone under 18 or the baby's mother.
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/crime/2014/09/08/grand-rapids-shaken-baby-seizures-child-abuse/15289367/
Father charged with child abuse in shaken baby case
Karen Madden, Daily Tribune Media 1:03 p.m. CDT September 8, 2014
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A 31-year-old Grand Rapids man authorities say shook his 2-month-old son, causing the baby to have seizures, made his initial appearance Monday in Wood County Circuit Court.
Wood County Circuit Judge Todd Wolf set a $10,000 signature bond for Casey R. Hanneman during the initial appearance. Hanneman is charged with child abuse, and, if convicted, faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, at 1 a.m. July 19, the baby's crying woke Hanneman, who got up to feed him. Hanneman fed the baby his formula, but the baby wouldn't stop crying. Hanneman gripped the baby beneath both armpits, shook him and said "Please stop crying," according to the complaint.
The baby began choking and went limp, according to the complaint. Hanneman and the baby's mother immediately took the child to Riverview Medical Center, but they left without having him checked when the baby appeared to return to normal.
During the next few days, the baby suffered two seizures, according to the criminal complaint. He was admitted to the Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Marshfield. A child abuse expert determined the baby suffered injuries consistent with "shaken baby syndrome," according to the complaint.
As a condition of the bond, Hanneman can have no contact with the baby, anyone under 18 or the baby's mother.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Dad on trial for death of 7-month-old daughter (Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada)
Once again, a dad who was "caregiving" while Mom was at work. He gets "frustrated" and goes off on the baby--and can't even be bothered to do anything about it until Mom gets home.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL BEAKLEY.
http://www.theprovince.com/health/Shaken+baby+injuries+akin+over+testifies+doctor/9893301/story.html
Shaken baby had injuries akin to be run over by a car, testifies B.C. doctor
By Cam Fortems, Kamloops This Week
May 30, 2014
Shaken baby had injuries akin to be run over by a car, testifies B.C. doctor
KAMLOOPS — Injuries to a seven-month-old baby’s brain were so severe that they’re typically seen in children who have been run over by a vehicle or fallen from a second-storey window, a doctor has testified.
Pediatric specialist Dr. Margaret Colbourne said injuries in Hunter Beakley’s eyes showed she’d been violently shaken.
“There’s nothing else that would have caused this except shaking,” Colbourne said. My diagnosis was abusive head trauma,” Colbourne told B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday.
Colbourne, who is also the medical director of the child-protection service unit at BC Children’s Hospital, was testifying in the trial of Hunter’s father, Michael Beakley.
He is charged with aggravated assault and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
B.C. Supreme Court heard Hunter was a full-term baby who was meeting all her growth and development milestones.
It was an ophthalmologist’s report that solidified what every other doctor suspected when they examined Hunter, who began having seizures.
Injuries in her eyes were “secondary to shaken-baby syndrome,” the pediatric ophthalmologist wrote after examining the baby while she was undergoing brain surgery at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver on Feb. 15, 2012.
Beakley’s former spouse, Cassandra Gunn, has described her daughter as an extremely fussy baby who often could not be consoled.
Gunn testified she went to work on the afternoon of Valentine’s Day 2012, leaving Hunter with Beakley and the couple’s other daughter.
When she arrived home after work that evening, Beakley asked her to look at Hunter. Gunn described her daughter’s skin as pale, her eyes pulled to the right side and she was making involuntary motions with her arms.
Paramedics noted Hunter was not moving normally on her left side.
She was first taken to Royal Inland Hospital, then transported by air early the next morning to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Colbourne outlined reports from emergency doctors and a pediatrician in Kamloops, as well as records from anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists from Vancouver.
All noted there were no outward signs of trauma to the baby, in particular no cracks, swelling or other evidence of blows to her skull.
But bleeding in her head and subsequent swelling caused Hunter’s brain to shift from the centre.
When surgery to reduce swelling and determine a cause of seizures was completed, the brain swelling continued so doctors could not immediately replace a portion of her skull that was removed.
Surgeons also observed an earlier trauma to the brain they determined occurred anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before Feb. 14, 2014.
In cross-examination, defence lawyer Bob McRoberts asked Colbourne if the Valentine’s Day injury could have occurred earlier in the day or on Feb. 13, the day on which Gunn described Hunter as “inconsolable” and “not right.”
“The degree of bleeding and swelling in her head, she would have appeared more abnormal than that,” Colbourne said.
But she couldn’t rule out the injury happened earlier.
“It’s conceivable this injury could have happened sometime in the day, during February 14th.”
Colbourne said milder brain injury is misdiagnosed by general physicians about 30 per cent of the time as flu-like symptoms, such as what Hunter had in previous weeks.
McRoberts also noted the lack of rib injury often seen in infants who are grabbed and shaken violently.
Colbourne testified the “huge, huge” hemorrhaging of blood seen in Hunter’s eyeball rarely occurs except during violent acceleration and deceleration of the head.
Doctors did extensive blood work and other testing to rule out causes.
By Feb. 29, 2012, two weeks after Hunter was admitted to hospital, “we didn’t need to do anymore investigation,” Colbourne said.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL BEAKLEY.
http://www.theprovince.com/health/Shaken+baby+injuries+akin+over+testifies+doctor/9893301/story.html
Shaken baby had injuries akin to be run over by a car, testifies B.C. doctor
By Cam Fortems, Kamloops This Week
May 30, 2014
Shaken baby had injuries akin to be run over by a car, testifies B.C. doctor
KAMLOOPS — Injuries to a seven-month-old baby’s brain were so severe that they’re typically seen in children who have been run over by a vehicle or fallen from a second-storey window, a doctor has testified.
Pediatric specialist Dr. Margaret Colbourne said injuries in Hunter Beakley’s eyes showed she’d been violently shaken.
“There’s nothing else that would have caused this except shaking,” Colbourne said. My diagnosis was abusive head trauma,” Colbourne told B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday.
Colbourne, who is also the medical director of the child-protection service unit at BC Children’s Hospital, was testifying in the trial of Hunter’s father, Michael Beakley.
He is charged with aggravated assault and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
B.C. Supreme Court heard Hunter was a full-term baby who was meeting all her growth and development milestones.
It was an ophthalmologist’s report that solidified what every other doctor suspected when they examined Hunter, who began having seizures.
Injuries in her eyes were “secondary to shaken-baby syndrome,” the pediatric ophthalmologist wrote after examining the baby while she was undergoing brain surgery at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver on Feb. 15, 2012.
Beakley’s former spouse, Cassandra Gunn, has described her daughter as an extremely fussy baby who often could not be consoled.
Gunn testified she went to work on the afternoon of Valentine’s Day 2012, leaving Hunter with Beakley and the couple’s other daughter.
When she arrived home after work that evening, Beakley asked her to look at Hunter. Gunn described her daughter’s skin as pale, her eyes pulled to the right side and she was making involuntary motions with her arms.
Paramedics noted Hunter was not moving normally on her left side.
She was first taken to Royal Inland Hospital, then transported by air early the next morning to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Colbourne outlined reports from emergency doctors and a pediatrician in Kamloops, as well as records from anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists from Vancouver.
All noted there were no outward signs of trauma to the baby, in particular no cracks, swelling or other evidence of blows to her skull.
But bleeding in her head and subsequent swelling caused Hunter’s brain to shift from the centre.
When surgery to reduce swelling and determine a cause of seizures was completed, the brain swelling continued so doctors could not immediately replace a portion of her skull that was removed.
Surgeons also observed an earlier trauma to the brain they determined occurred anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before Feb. 14, 2014.
In cross-examination, defence lawyer Bob McRoberts asked Colbourne if the Valentine’s Day injury could have occurred earlier in the day or on Feb. 13, the day on which Gunn described Hunter as “inconsolable” and “not right.”
“The degree of bleeding and swelling in her head, she would have appeared more abnormal than that,” Colbourne said.
But she couldn’t rule out the injury happened earlier.
“It’s conceivable this injury could have happened sometime in the day, during February 14th.”
Colbourne said milder brain injury is misdiagnosed by general physicians about 30 per cent of the time as flu-like symptoms, such as what Hunter had in previous weeks.
McRoberts also noted the lack of rib injury often seen in infants who are grabbed and shaken violently.
Colbourne testified the “huge, huge” hemorrhaging of blood seen in Hunter’s eyeball rarely occurs except during violent acceleration and deceleration of the head.
Doctors did extensive blood work and other testing to rule out causes.
By Feb. 29, 2012, two weeks after Hunter was admitted to hospital, “we didn’t need to do anymore investigation,” Colbourne said.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Dad charged with felony abuse of 5-month-old son; baby has permanent brain damage (Lehi, Utah)
Familiar pattern. Dad had multiple cover stories, and wouldn't call 911 himself.
Dad is identified as PAUL KARDOS.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865603228/Lehi-man-charged-in-child-abuse-investigation.html
Lehi man charged in child abuse investigation
By Pat Reavy, Deseret News
Published: Thursday, May 15 2014 2:55 p.m. MDT
Updated: 21 hours ago LEHI — A Lehi father has been charged with child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony, after allegedly shaking his 5-month-old son.
On April 19, Paul and Nicole Kardos got into a heated argument, according to charges filed in 4th District Court. They each left the house at separate times.
Nicole Kardos left the house at 11 a.m. believing her husband would be home from work at 1 p.m., according to court documents. She left her 5-month-old twins in the care of her 9- and 11-year-old sons.
Paul Kardos didn't get home until 6 p.m., however, and then went out to buy Easter candy for the children. He and Nicole Kardos continued fighting through texts and emails, and Nicole Kardos decided to stay the night at a hotel rather than go home, according to court records. Paul Kardos later admitted to police he was frustrated, according to the report.
When Nicole Kardos returned home the next morning, her husband was "in a panic" because their 5-month-old son, Pauly, "appeared dead, was not breathing, was unresponsive, and his limbs were limp," according to court records.
Paul Kardos said he ran the young boy under cold water in an attempt to revive him, but his wife said he seemed "resistant to calling 911," the charges stated.
Nicole Kardos called 911, and paramedics responded and advised the couple that the infant needed to be taken to the hospital immediately, the report stated. The parents said they would take the child themselves rather than have the paramedics do it.
But Nicole Kardos didn't show up at American Fork Hospital until an hour later, according to the charges. Paul Kardos later told police he thought the baby was fine and didn't need to go to the hospital anymore, the charges stated.
Doctors in American Fork found internal head trauma and had Pauly flown to Primary Children's Hospital.
Paul Kardos submitted to a "voice stress lie-detection test" by police but later told his wife that he "messed with the test by pausing before answering each question."
When questioned by investigators, he offered explanations for the baby's injuries ranging from blaming his sons to claiming his wife had snuck back into the house during the night and harmed him, according to court records.
Ultimately, Paul Kardos didn't have an explanation for how the injuries occurred, according to the charges.
Paul Kardos was charged on May 7, the same day Pauly was released from the hospital. But Pauly was readmitted Monday to have fluid drained from around his brain, according to a website set up to raise funds for the infant's hospital bills.
"Pauly has lost the majority of his eyesight and sensory function. He can not swallow without aspirating. He has seizures. He has no head control and has muscle issues on the right side. MRIs show a portion of his brain is permanently damaged," according to the blog.
Dad is identified as PAUL KARDOS.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865603228/Lehi-man-charged-in-child-abuse-investigation.html
Lehi man charged in child abuse investigation
By Pat Reavy, Deseret News
Published: Thursday, May 15 2014 2:55 p.m. MDT
Updated: 21 hours ago LEHI — A Lehi father has been charged with child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony, after allegedly shaking his 5-month-old son.
On April 19, Paul and Nicole Kardos got into a heated argument, according to charges filed in 4th District Court. They each left the house at separate times.
Nicole Kardos left the house at 11 a.m. believing her husband would be home from work at 1 p.m., according to court documents. She left her 5-month-old twins in the care of her 9- and 11-year-old sons.
Paul Kardos didn't get home until 6 p.m., however, and then went out to buy Easter candy for the children. He and Nicole Kardos continued fighting through texts and emails, and Nicole Kardos decided to stay the night at a hotel rather than go home, according to court records. Paul Kardos later admitted to police he was frustrated, according to the report.
When Nicole Kardos returned home the next morning, her husband was "in a panic" because their 5-month-old son, Pauly, "appeared dead, was not breathing, was unresponsive, and his limbs were limp," according to court records.
Paul Kardos said he ran the young boy under cold water in an attempt to revive him, but his wife said he seemed "resistant to calling 911," the charges stated.
Nicole Kardos called 911, and paramedics responded and advised the couple that the infant needed to be taken to the hospital immediately, the report stated. The parents said they would take the child themselves rather than have the paramedics do it.
But Nicole Kardos didn't show up at American Fork Hospital until an hour later, according to the charges. Paul Kardos later told police he thought the baby was fine and didn't need to go to the hospital anymore, the charges stated.
Doctors in American Fork found internal head trauma and had Pauly flown to Primary Children's Hospital.
Paul Kardos submitted to a "voice stress lie-detection test" by police but later told his wife that he "messed with the test by pausing before answering each question."
When questioned by investigators, he offered explanations for the baby's injuries ranging from blaming his sons to claiming his wife had snuck back into the house during the night and harmed him, according to court records.
Ultimately, Paul Kardos didn't have an explanation for how the injuries occurred, according to the charges.
Paul Kardos was charged on May 7, the same day Pauly was released from the hospital. But Pauly was readmitted Monday to have fluid drained from around his brain, according to a website set up to raise funds for the infant's hospital bills.
"Pauly has lost the majority of his eyesight and sensory function. He can not swallow without aspirating. He has seizures. He has no head control and has muscle issues on the right side. MRIs show a portion of his brain is permanently damaged," according to the blog.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Abuser dad gets early release from prison (Cheektowaga, New York)
Typical abuser daddy coddling. Dad is identified as JEREMY BOLVIN.
http://wivb.com/2014/04/20/abusive-dad-getting-released-early-from-prison/
Abusive dad getting released early from prison
By Emily Guggenmos
Published: Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6:21 pm
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WIVB) – A young boy from Kenmore, who was severely beaten as a baby, continues to suffer to this day. Now, the abusive father who caused the pain is about to leave prison a year and a half early. Almost four years after his father violently beat him, Jay-J Bolvin still deals with seizures and developmental delays.
The family of Jay-J is dreading Monday. It’s the day the four-year-old’s father, the man who abused him, is expected to be released from prison. They just found out on Friday through a letter from The Niagara County District Attorney, that Jeremy Bolvin will be released early on parole.
He’s served 2 1/2 years of his 4 year sentence. Bolvin physically abused Jay-J as an infant. He was beaten so badly 11 of his bones were broken and he has a severe seizure disorder. He also has developmental delays, which is something his family says he’ll struggle with forever. Jay-J’s family fought for Jay-J’s law that strengthens penalties for repeat child abusers. They’re upset his father is being released from prison early. “We’re not interested in punishing him, we’re more interested in protecting the public from him,” said Kevin Retzer, Jay-J’s great-uncle. “Anxious, upset, but it actually makes us want to work harder instead of just saying it was all for nothing. That’s not how we feel,” said Chris Retzer, Jay-J’s great-aunt.
Retzer says they’re working with Senator Tim Kennedy. He says Kennedy will be contacting the parole board to see if the decision can be rescinded and to find out how he is being allowed to be released.
http://wivb.com/2014/04/20/abusive-dad-getting-released-early-from-prison/
Abusive dad getting released early from prison
By Emily Guggenmos
Published: Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6:21 pm
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WIVB) – A young boy from Kenmore, who was severely beaten as a baby, continues to suffer to this day. Now, the abusive father who caused the pain is about to leave prison a year and a half early. Almost four years after his father violently beat him, Jay-J Bolvin still deals with seizures and developmental delays.
The family of Jay-J is dreading Monday. It’s the day the four-year-old’s father, the man who abused him, is expected to be released from prison. They just found out on Friday through a letter from The Niagara County District Attorney, that Jeremy Bolvin will be released early on parole.
He’s served 2 1/2 years of his 4 year sentence. Bolvin physically abused Jay-J as an infant. He was beaten so badly 11 of his bones were broken and he has a severe seizure disorder. He also has developmental delays, which is something his family says he’ll struggle with forever. Jay-J’s family fought for Jay-J’s law that strengthens penalties for repeat child abusers. They’re upset his father is being released from prison early. “We’re not interested in punishing him, we’re more interested in protecting the public from him,” said Kevin Retzer, Jay-J’s great-uncle. “Anxious, upset, but it actually makes us want to work harder instead of just saying it was all for nothing. That’s not how we feel,” said Chris Retzer, Jay-J’s great-aunt.
Retzer says they’re working with Senator Tim Kennedy. He says Kennedy will be contacting the parole board to see if the decision can be rescinded and to find out how he is being allowed to be released.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
"Babysiting" dad arrested for abusing 3-month-old son while Mom was at work (Youngwood, Pennsylvania)
Too many young males are just too violent to be "babysitters."
Too bad mothers don't have decent maternity leaves in this country. As a result, dudes who should be out working and supporting their families try to be caretakers. The result is too often a disaster.
Dad is identified as TYLER JAMES PRIGGINS.
http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/5930927-74/police-month-infant#axzz2yk9fA3zE
Youngwood father of 3-month-old boy arraigned on child abuse charges
Bob Stiles Staff
Reporter Tribune-Review
Published: Saturday, April 12, 2014, 12:01 a.m. Updated 14 hours ago
A 3-month-old boy suffered head trauma, brain injury, seizures and other medical complications from physical abuse by his father in a Youngwood home last month, state police at Greensburg said.
Tyler James Priggins, 26, was arraigned on Thursday on charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Priggins was baby sitting his infant son, Dominique, on March 26 when he injured the baby, who became “unresponsive,” according to court papers.
The infant was taken by ambulance to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, where he was given emergency treatment to aid his breathing, and was then flown to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh “due to his grave condition,” police said.
A Children's doctor determined Dominique was physically abused and would have died had he not received medical attention when he did, police said.
The physician “also related that the injuries that the victim sustained were not accidental, nor could they be self-inflicted,” according to a police affidavit.
In addition to the head trauma, the infant had bruises on his shoulders, police said.
State police questioned Priggins in late March.
“The defendant made several statements to investigators indicating he was the cause of the injuries to the victim and stated, ‘It had to be me; I was the only adult there,' ” according to the affidavit.
The child's mother told police that she left for work about 2:30 p.m. March 26. Priggins was home, caring for the infant and two other children.
The mother declined to comment on Friday after she answered the front door of a home with yellow siding, along a one-way main artery leading from New Stanton into Youngwood. Two Big Wheel bikes waited near the front door.
“I don't want my baby in the news,” she said before shutting the door.
Too bad mothers don't have decent maternity leaves in this country. As a result, dudes who should be out working and supporting their families try to be caretakers. The result is too often a disaster.
Dad is identified as TYLER JAMES PRIGGINS.
http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/5930927-74/police-month-infant#axzz2yk9fA3zE
Youngwood father of 3-month-old boy arraigned on child abuse charges
Bob Stiles Staff
Reporter Tribune-Review
Published: Saturday, April 12, 2014, 12:01 a.m. Updated 14 hours ago
A 3-month-old boy suffered head trauma, brain injury, seizures and other medical complications from physical abuse by his father in a Youngwood home last month, state police at Greensburg said.
Tyler James Priggins, 26, was arraigned on Thursday on charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Priggins was baby sitting his infant son, Dominique, on March 26 when he injured the baby, who became “unresponsive,” according to court papers.
The infant was taken by ambulance to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, where he was given emergency treatment to aid his breathing, and was then flown to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh “due to his grave condition,” police said.
A Children's doctor determined Dominique was physically abused and would have died had he not received medical attention when he did, police said.
The physician “also related that the injuries that the victim sustained were not accidental, nor could they be self-inflicted,” according to a police affidavit.
In addition to the head trauma, the infant had bruises on his shoulders, police said.
State police questioned Priggins in late March.
“The defendant made several statements to investigators indicating he was the cause of the injuries to the victim and stated, ‘It had to be me; I was the only adult there,' ” according to the affidavit.
The child's mother told police that she left for work about 2:30 p.m. March 26. Priggins was home, caring for the infant and two other children.
The mother declined to comment on Friday after she answered the front door of a home with yellow siding, along a one-way main artery leading from New Stanton into Youngwood. Two Big Wheel bikes waited near the front door.
“I don't want my baby in the news,” she said before shutting the door.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Dad pleads guilty to--then denies--abusing 6-week-old son (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Dad is identified as PHILIP JASON BOWDEN.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1197298-judge-quashes-guilty-plea-after-father-denies-injuring-baby
Judge quashes guilty plea after father denies injuring baby
STEVE BRUCE
Court Reporter
Published April 1, 2014 - 2:40pm
Last Updated April 1, 2014 - 9:03pm
A judge has struck down a Halifax man’s guilty plea in a child abuse case.
Philip Jason Bowden, 39, pleaded guilty in January to a summary charge of assault causing bodily harm and was supposed to be sentenced Friday in Halifax provincial court.
But Judge Anne Derrick said comments by Bowden in his presentence report, in which he denied hurting his infant son, caused her to have “grave concerns” about the validity of his guilty plea.
“I feel quite uncomfortable right now about this case,” Derrick said.
Bowden’s six-week-old son was admitted to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax in August 2012 with life-threatening injuries. The baby had severe bleeding on the brain and was experiencing seizures. Doctors described his prognosis as grim.
Crown attorney Christine Driscoll said the child was left with “significant” disabilities.
Bowden was originally charged with the indictable offences of aggravated assault and failing to provide the necessities of life. The Crown agreed to accept a guilty plea on the lesser charge because of “evidentiary difficulties” with its case, Driscoll said.
But in an interview for his presentence report, Bowden did not accept responsibility for his alleged actions.
Bowden flatly denied shaking or slapping his son and only admitted to “lightly tapping” him on the face to get his attention. If this is considered wrong, he said, then “a million parents are guilty of this.”
He said the circumstances of the matter have been “twisted” and he has been “drug over the coals for this.”
Bowden acknowledged that “something happened” to the baby but said the injuries were not caused by him, alluding that the child’s mother was responsible.
Despite those comments, defence lawyer Lyle Howe said his client wished to proceed with sentencing.
Driscoll said Bowden’s denial of responsibility bothered the Crown.
“It’s the first time in my career, Your Honour, that I’m concerned about a miscarriage of justice,” Driscoll said. “I just want to put that on the record.”
The judge said that was a significant statement coming from someone such as Driscoll, “who conducts herself to the highest standards of the profession.”
After a brief recess, Derrick quashed the guilty plea.
Bowden will return to court April 22 to set dates for a trial on the two original charges.
“I have to put some thought into whether I can proceed with this matter ethically,” Howe told the court.
Derrick asked counsel to consider whether another judge should conduct the trial.
Bowden remains free on bail with conditions of house arrest.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1197298-judge-quashes-guilty-plea-after-father-denies-injuring-baby
Judge quashes guilty plea after father denies injuring baby
STEVE BRUCE
Court Reporter
Published April 1, 2014 - 2:40pm
Last Updated April 1, 2014 - 9:03pm
A judge has struck down a Halifax man’s guilty plea in a child abuse case.
Philip Jason Bowden, 39, pleaded guilty in January to a summary charge of assault causing bodily harm and was supposed to be sentenced Friday in Halifax provincial court.
But Judge Anne Derrick said comments by Bowden in his presentence report, in which he denied hurting his infant son, caused her to have “grave concerns” about the validity of his guilty plea.
“I feel quite uncomfortable right now about this case,” Derrick said.
Bowden’s six-week-old son was admitted to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax in August 2012 with life-threatening injuries. The baby had severe bleeding on the brain and was experiencing seizures. Doctors described his prognosis as grim.
Crown attorney Christine Driscoll said the child was left with “significant” disabilities.
Bowden was originally charged with the indictable offences of aggravated assault and failing to provide the necessities of life. The Crown agreed to accept a guilty plea on the lesser charge because of “evidentiary difficulties” with its case, Driscoll said.
But in an interview for his presentence report, Bowden did not accept responsibility for his alleged actions.
Bowden flatly denied shaking or slapping his son and only admitted to “lightly tapping” him on the face to get his attention. If this is considered wrong, he said, then “a million parents are guilty of this.”
He said the circumstances of the matter have been “twisted” and he has been “drug over the coals for this.”
Bowden acknowledged that “something happened” to the baby but said the injuries were not caused by him, alluding that the child’s mother was responsible.
Despite those comments, defence lawyer Lyle Howe said his client wished to proceed with sentencing.
Driscoll said Bowden’s denial of responsibility bothered the Crown.
“It’s the first time in my career, Your Honour, that I’m concerned about a miscarriage of justice,” Driscoll said. “I just want to put that on the record.”
The judge said that was a significant statement coming from someone such as Driscoll, “who conducts herself to the highest standards of the profession.”
After a brief recess, Derrick quashed the guilty plea.
Bowden will return to court April 22 to set dates for a trial on the two original charges.
“I have to put some thought into whether I can proceed with this matter ethically,” Howe told the court.
Derrick asked counsel to consider whether another judge should conduct the trial.
Bowden remains free on bail with conditions of house arrest.
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