Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Babysitting dad charged in death of 2-month-old son (North Versailles, Pennsylvania)

Dad MICHAEL LEWIS has been charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, and resisting arrest in the death of his 2-month-old son. Dad was babysitting while Mom went to the store. The medical examiner says the baby died of head injuries.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_666408.html

Father charged in death of 2-month-old son

By Tony LaRussa
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The father of an infant found unconscious by his mother after she returned from shopping Sunday evening has been charged in the boy's death.

Michael Lewis, 54, of North Versailles, was charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest in connection with the death of his 2-month-old son, DeCarlos Lewis, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday by Allegheny County police.

The baby's mother, Heather Cutruzzola, 26, told police that her son took a nap at about 4:30 p.m. and she later walked to a nearby Wal-Mart. She said Michael Lewis was the only other person in the home.

Cutruzzola told investigators that when she returned to the Hyer Avenue apartment, Lewis was "acting strangely" and that he repeatedly told her that the baby was fine and that she should let him sleep.

Cutruzzola told investigators the baby was unconscious when she picked him up and that Lewis called North Versailles police. Cutruzzola took the phone from Lewis and said: "He killed my baby," according to the complaint.

The child was taken to UPMC McKeesport, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner showed that the infant died of head injuries and ruled his death a homicide.