Bond set for drugged-out dad accused of killing 6-week-old son (Peoria, Illinois)

Dad is identified as ZACHARY KNOWLES. No mention of where the mother was while Daddy was "caring" for the child. In many of these cases, however, she's working. While Daddy is drugging, doing video games, whatever. It's a shame that we don't have paid maternity leaves in this country so moms can be home with their 6-week-old newborns....

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x2143898813/Bond-set-for-man-accused-of-shaking-baby

Bond set for man accused of shaking baby

Six-week-old boy died after suffering injuries

By ANDY KRAVETZ

Of the Journal star

Posted Nov 04, 2012 @ 08:29 PM

PEORIA — Bond was at $500,000 on Sunday for a Peoria Heights man accused of shaking his six-week-old son, who later died of his injuries.

Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady said Zachary Knowles, 30, of 308 E. Frances Ave. faces a single charge of aggravated battery to a child, a nonprobationable felony that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars.

No other charges had been filed against Knowles as of Sunday, but Brady indicated the investigation into the incident last week and the boy's death is ongoing and that more charges were possible.

Six-week-old Asa Knowles was pronounced dead late Saturday night in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children's Hospital of Illinois, according to Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll. The infant was taken to the hospital on Tuesday after his father told police the child became unresponsive.

Police reports indicate Zachary Knowles said he was bouncing the boy in an effort to calm him down when the child stopped breathing. He had no pulse when rescue workers arrived but was revived at the hospital.

According to police, there was evidence of Zachary Knowles drinking and smoking marijuana while he was caring for the child on Tuesday. When asked about the details of the incident, Brady declined to comment, again referring to the ongoing investigation.

To get out of the Peoria County Jail, Zachary Knowles must post $50,000. He will likely appear in court on Monday, when he will meet with a public defender and possibly ask for a bond reduction.