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 life support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life support. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
Dad tortures, murder 13-month-old son during first custody visit (Brisbane, Australia)
UNNAMED DAD.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/man-sentenced-for-manslaughter-following-horrific-torture-and-killing-of-toddler/news-story/bf9ee4e0c908e666fdd21320f50103e4
Man sentenced for manslaughter following ‘horrific’ torture and killing of toddler
May 26, 2016 12:11am
Vanda Carson
The Courier-Mail
A BRISBANE father-of-two has been sentenced to up to eight years behind bars for the brutal and “horrific” torture and killing of his vulnerable 13-month-old son.
The 29-year-old storeman appeared in the Supreme Court this morning before Justice Roslyn Atkinson.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to torture and manslaughter charges, but only after he initially lied to police, claiming the boy had slipped in the bath.
Crown Prosecutor Danny Boyle told the court the man had deliberately burned his son’s left foot on the kitchen stove after he “threw” the boy across the lounge-room into a wall, causing head injuries he would later die from.
The man tortured the child at Beenleigh between 12.43am and 8.20pm on December 28, 2012, when he had temporary custody of the child for two days.
A doctor told the court that the child would have suffered “severe physical pain and suffering”.
A paediatrician said “a lot of force” was required to cause the head injury.
The man also attempted to get his girlfriend to lie on his behalf and hide his crimes, asking her to tell police the child was “dopey and kept falling over all the time” and the child had “walked over the stove” after sitting on the kitchen bench.
He told his girlfriend in a recorded phone call: “I’ve got no remorse for nobody’s passing. I just got no feeling”.
Mr Boyle told the court that what “sets this case apart” from other parents who had killed their children was that this man continued to physically abuse his son “not withstanding” repeated protestations by his girlfriend and others, telling him to stop and go to hospital.
Mr Boyle said the man also failed to take his son to hospital even when his girlfriend’s sister commented the tot “did not look right”.
After he threw his son violently against the lounge room wall, and when the child was suffering swelling of the brain, he burned the child’s foot on the stove while his girlfriend was out getting dinner at McDonalds.
“(This) can only be described as a callous and deliberately cruel act toward the child, given the child had already suffered the injury which led to the child’s death,” Mr Boyle said.
The man threatened to kick his girlfriend in the face after she tried to shield the child, begging him to return the baby to his mother.
She told police the baby “looked miserable and not right” before she left the home to go to McDonald’s.
She later called an ambulance and the baby died in hospital on December 30 after his life support was switched off. An autopsy showed he was bruised from head to toe.
The man killed his son during his only ever custody visit.
The mother allowed the boy to stay with his father in the hope they would “bond” and build a trusting relationship.
The man contacted the mother via Facebook when the baby was one year old, asking to see photos of his son.
During the two days the boy was in his father’s care, the child’s mother repeatedly called the man on his phone and sent him texts, demanding he return child.
The man replied “No he’s alright”. He refused to tell the mother where he was staying and on one occasion told her “I’m the biological father you can’t do anything”.
The mother also contacted the police, asking them to check on her baby son.
She told the court that no jail term could take away the distress she feels when she thinks of the pain suffered by her “precious innocent boy” in his final moments.
The man has been in prison on remand.
A psychological report tendered to the court states the man has a “high risk” of killing again.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/man-sentenced-for-manslaughter-following-horrific-torture-and-killing-of-toddler/news-story/bf9ee4e0c908e666fdd21320f50103e4
Man sentenced for manslaughter following ‘horrific’ torture and killing of toddler
May 26, 2016 12:11am
Vanda Carson
The Courier-Mail
A BRISBANE father-of-two has been sentenced to up to eight years behind bars for the brutal and “horrific” torture and killing of his vulnerable 13-month-old son.
The 29-year-old storeman appeared in the Supreme Court this morning before Justice Roslyn Atkinson.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to torture and manslaughter charges, but only after he initially lied to police, claiming the boy had slipped in the bath.
Crown Prosecutor Danny Boyle told the court the man had deliberately burned his son’s left foot on the kitchen stove after he “threw” the boy across the lounge-room into a wall, causing head injuries he would later die from.
The man tortured the child at Beenleigh between 12.43am and 8.20pm on December 28, 2012, when he had temporary custody of the child for two days.
A doctor told the court that the child would have suffered “severe physical pain and suffering”.
A paediatrician said “a lot of force” was required to cause the head injury.
The man also attempted to get his girlfriend to lie on his behalf and hide his crimes, asking her to tell police the child was “dopey and kept falling over all the time” and the child had “walked over the stove” after sitting on the kitchen bench.
He told his girlfriend in a recorded phone call: “I’ve got no remorse for nobody’s passing. I just got no feeling”.
Mr Boyle told the court that what “sets this case apart” from other parents who had killed their children was that this man continued to physically abuse his son “not withstanding” repeated protestations by his girlfriend and others, telling him to stop and go to hospital.
Mr Boyle said the man also failed to take his son to hospital even when his girlfriend’s sister commented the tot “did not look right”.
After he threw his son violently against the lounge room wall, and when the child was suffering swelling of the brain, he burned the child’s foot on the stove while his girlfriend was out getting dinner at McDonalds.
“(This) can only be described as a callous and deliberately cruel act toward the child, given the child had already suffered the injury which led to the child’s death,” Mr Boyle said.
The man threatened to kick his girlfriend in the face after she tried to shield the child, begging him to return the baby to his mother.
She told police the baby “looked miserable and not right” before she left the home to go to McDonald’s.
She later called an ambulance and the baby died in hospital on December 30 after his life support was switched off. An autopsy showed he was bruised from head to toe.
The man killed his son during his only ever custody visit.
The mother allowed the boy to stay with his father in the hope they would “bond” and build a trusting relationship.
The man contacted the mother via Facebook when the baby was one year old, asking to see photos of his son.
During the two days the boy was in his father’s care, the child’s mother repeatedly called the man on his phone and sent him texts, demanding he return child.
The man replied “No he’s alright”. He refused to tell the mother where he was staying and on one occasion told her “I’m the biological father you can’t do anything”.
The mother also contacted the police, asking them to check on her baby son.
She told the court that no jail term could take away the distress she feels when she thinks of the pain suffered by her “precious innocent boy” in his final moments.
The man has been in prison on remand.
A psychological report tendered to the court states the man has a “high risk” of killing again.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Custodial dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in beating death of 3-year-old son; was "angry" about "potty training issues" (Tacoma, Washington)
Read between the lines. Dad KINGSA MCNIGHT had to be custodial, with Mom having little to no contact or visitation. Otherwise, there is no way this child could have been dying at home for 8 days without Mom knowing or intervening. So how did this violent killer dad get custody? Who gave it to him? And why was he sleeping with a 3-year-old who supposedly wet the bed?
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Washington.
http://q13fox.com/2016/02/19/father-sentenced-to-28-years-for-beating-3-year-old-son-to-death-over-bed-wetting/
Father sentenced to 28 years for beating 3-year-old son to death over bed wetting
Posted 4:22 PM, February 19, 2016, by Q13 FOX News Staff
TACOMA — A Tacoma man was sentenced Friday to 28 years in prison for beating his 3-year-old son to death because he became angry over the toddler’s bed wetting.
Kingsa McKnight, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault for the 2014 beating death of his son.
According to prosecutors, McKnight took his son to an urgent care center on June 13, 2014, because he was lethargic and vomiting. The nurse told him the child needed to be taken to an emergency room immediately, but instead McKnight took his son home.
Eight days later, the boy lost consciousness and his father took him to the hospital, where the child was placed on life support. Prosecutors said the boy had bruises on his head and chest, and a CT scan revealed two subdural hemorrhages and a skull fracture. Doctors determined the head injuries were inflicted just a few hours before the child’s arrival at the hospital.
Further testing revealed the boy had suffered a liver laceration and a rib fracture at different times during the last month.
On June 23, the boy was taken off life support and died.
The victim’s mother — who lived separately from the husband — told detectives that McKnight was angry because the child was having potty training issues.
McKnight told detectives that he shared a bed with his son, and his son had wet the bed the two previous nights, prosecutors said.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Washington.
http://q13fox.com/2016/02/19/father-sentenced-to-28-years-for-beating-3-year-old-son-to-death-over-bed-wetting/
Father sentenced to 28 years for beating 3-year-old son to death over bed wetting
Posted 4:22 PM, February 19, 2016, by Q13 FOX News Staff
TACOMA — A Tacoma man was sentenced Friday to 28 years in prison for beating his 3-year-old son to death because he became angry over the toddler’s bed wetting.
Kingsa McKnight, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault for the 2014 beating death of his son.
According to prosecutors, McKnight took his son to an urgent care center on June 13, 2014, because he was lethargic and vomiting. The nurse told him the child needed to be taken to an emergency room immediately, but instead McKnight took his son home.
Eight days later, the boy lost consciousness and his father took him to the hospital, where the child was placed on life support. Prosecutors said the boy had bruises on his head and chest, and a CT scan revealed two subdural hemorrhages and a skull fracture. Doctors determined the head injuries were inflicted just a few hours before the child’s arrival at the hospital.
Further testing revealed the boy had suffered a liver laceration and a rib fracture at different times during the last month.
On June 23, the boy was taken off life support and died.
The victim’s mother — who lived separately from the husband — told detectives that McKnight was angry because the child was having potty training issues.
McKnight told detectives that he shared a bed with his son, and his son had wet the bed the two previous nights, prosecutors said.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Dad gets ONE year sentence in death of 13-month-old son despite prior felony convictions (Cullman, Alabama)
Under aged mother, but no acknowledgement in the article of that.
Dad is identified as B.J. BRYANT.
http://www.cullmantimes.com/news/father-pleads-guilty-to-aggravated-child-abuse-in--month/article_1af1a550-68c2-11e5-aa2d-b7c4bb6e680f.html
Father pleads guilty to aggravated child abuse in 13-month-old son’s death
B.J. Bryant pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of his 13-month-old son and was given a one-year sentence.
Posted: Friday, October 2, 2015 5:00 am
Staff report
A Cullman father pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of his 13-month-old son and was given a one-year sentence.
B.J. Bryant, 24, will be on supervised probation for five years. Two other charges of criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter were dismissed, according to an order filed by Cullman County Circuit Judge Martha Williams Thursday. Bryant will be required to testify against the child’s mother, Justina Freeman, 20, who is facing the same three charges.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office arrested Bryant and Freeman in 2013 after an 11-month investigation into the death of their son Blakelee Jayce Bryant.
The child was found unresponsive at the couple’s home May 21, 2012 after being in the bathtub. He was rushed to Cullman Regional Medical Center and then flown to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. He was put on life support and died May 26, 2012.
Former Chief Deputy Max Bartlett told The Cullman Times in 2013 the conditions of the scene and the home indicated Blakelee had been severely neglected, and the couple was charged. Bryant was 21 years old and Freeman 17 at the time of their child’s death.
According to Williams’ order, Bryant had a prior felony conviction and has 42 days to appeal his conviction on the aggravated child abuse charge.
Freeman was scheduled to appear in court September 24 before presiding Circuit Court Judge Greg Nicholas. It’s not clear the status of the case.
Dad is identified as B.J. BRYANT.
http://www.cullmantimes.com/news/father-pleads-guilty-to-aggravated-child-abuse-in--month/article_1af1a550-68c2-11e5-aa2d-b7c4bb6e680f.html
Father pleads guilty to aggravated child abuse in 13-month-old son’s death
B.J. Bryant pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of his 13-month-old son and was given a one-year sentence.
Posted: Friday, October 2, 2015 5:00 am
Staff report
A Cullman father pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of his 13-month-old son and was given a one-year sentence.
B.J. Bryant, 24, will be on supervised probation for five years. Two other charges of criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter were dismissed, according to an order filed by Cullman County Circuit Judge Martha Williams Thursday. Bryant will be required to testify against the child’s mother, Justina Freeman, 20, who is facing the same three charges.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office arrested Bryant and Freeman in 2013 after an 11-month investigation into the death of their son Blakelee Jayce Bryant.
The child was found unresponsive at the couple’s home May 21, 2012 after being in the bathtub. He was rushed to Cullman Regional Medical Center and then flown to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. He was put on life support and died May 26, 2012.
Former Chief Deputy Max Bartlett told The Cullman Times in 2013 the conditions of the scene and the home indicated Blakelee had been severely neglected, and the couple was charged. Bryant was 21 years old and Freeman 17 at the time of their child’s death.
According to Williams’ order, Bryant had a prior felony conviction and has 42 days to appeal his conviction on the aggravated child abuse charge.
Freeman was scheduled to appear in court September 24 before presiding Circuit Court Judge Greg Nicholas. It’s not clear the status of the case.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Dad admits killing 9-week-old daughter (Australia)
The more-useless-than-trash father is identified as BRETT ANDREW KITCHIN.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-18/father-brett-andrew-kitchen-admits-to-shaking-murder-of-his-baby/6786918
Baby shaking murder: Brett Andrew Kitchin admits to killing nine-week old daughter
By Sallese Gibson
Posted Thu at 11:40pm
A northern Tasmanian man has pleaded guilty to the shaking murder of his nine-week-old daughter. Azzali Dolcie May Thomson died of head injuries in February 2014, consistent with being shaken forcefully.
Her 28-year-old father, Brett Andrew Kitchin, was charged with her murder and ill-treatment.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but entered guilty pleas in the Supreme Court in Launceston this morning.
The court heard Kitchin regularly squeezed, shook, poked and pinched his daughter over a six-week period, causing multiple rib fractures and severe bruising.
Police prosecutors told the court Kitchin got into a rage after having difficulty feeding his daughter and applied pressure to her neck, squeezed her chest and shook her forcefully, causing the massive brain injuries that resulted in her death.
Court hears details of crime The court heard Kitchin woke to feed Azzali at 7:00am on February 2, 2014, and became angry when it became difficult.
He shook her forcefully, causing massive brain injuries, fractured shoulders and ribs and bruising to her neck, jaw and face.
He then put her back into the bassinet and went back to bed.
Azzali continued to scream for several hours.
Her mother tried to feed her at 11:00am and noticed she would not open her mouth and had a swollen face.
Azzali was taken to the Launceston General Hospital at 1:20pm, in a semi-conscious state.
Kitchin told doctors he may have bumped Azzali's head when getting her out of the car.
An emergency CT scan found bleeding on her brain and showed a number of historic rib fractures.
She was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital's neo-natal unit. Azzali died on February 6, after her life support was switched off.
The coroner found Azzali died of head injuries consistent with being shaken and that it was not clear which violent incident caused her death, as she had been subject to severe and progressive damage over a period of weeks.
The police prosecutor told the court Azzali was defenceless and that the violence inflicted on her was extreme.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-18/father-brett-andrew-kitchen-admits-to-shaking-murder-of-his-baby/6786918
Baby shaking murder: Brett Andrew Kitchin admits to killing nine-week old daughter
By Sallese Gibson
Posted Thu at 11:40pm
A northern Tasmanian man has pleaded guilty to the shaking murder of his nine-week-old daughter. Azzali Dolcie May Thomson died of head injuries in February 2014, consistent with being shaken forcefully.
Her 28-year-old father, Brett Andrew Kitchin, was charged with her murder and ill-treatment.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but entered guilty pleas in the Supreme Court in Launceston this morning.
The court heard Kitchin regularly squeezed, shook, poked and pinched his daughter over a six-week period, causing multiple rib fractures and severe bruising.
Police prosecutors told the court Kitchin got into a rage after having difficulty feeding his daughter and applied pressure to her neck, squeezed her chest and shook her forcefully, causing the massive brain injuries that resulted in her death.
Court hears details of crime The court heard Kitchin woke to feed Azzali at 7:00am on February 2, 2014, and became angry when it became difficult.
He shook her forcefully, causing massive brain injuries, fractured shoulders and ribs and bruising to her neck, jaw and face.
He then put her back into the bassinet and went back to bed.
Azzali continued to scream for several hours.
Her mother tried to feed her at 11:00am and noticed she would not open her mouth and had a swollen face.
Azzali was taken to the Launceston General Hospital at 1:20pm, in a semi-conscious state.
Kitchin told doctors he may have bumped Azzali's head when getting her out of the car.
An emergency CT scan found bleeding on her brain and showed a number of historic rib fractures.
She was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital's neo-natal unit. Azzali died on February 6, after her life support was switched off.
The coroner found Azzali died of head injuries consistent with being shaken and that it was not clear which violent incident caused her death, as she had been subject to severe and progressive damage over a period of weeks.
The police prosecutor told the court Azzali was defenceless and that the violence inflicted on her was extreme.
Monday, September 7, 2015
3-month-old baby injured by dad has died (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Dad is identified as RENE ANTHONY GARCIA.
http://www.caller.com/news/local/infant-injured-in-shaking-dies-1f1c976f-f1bc-0a8d-e053-0100007f47b3-325205001.html
Infant injured in shaking dies
by Staff Reports of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Posted: September 6, 2015 10:21 PM
An infant who police said was violently shaken by his father has died, officials said.
The 3-month-old boy died about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, said John Lennan with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
The boy's 46-year-old father was arrested Thursday after Corpus Christi police responded to a call about 3:45 p.m. for an unresponsive infant in the 4900 block of High Meadow Drive on the city's Southside.
The parents were attempting to administer CPR to the baby when officers arrived, according to a police news release Thursday. The baby had been on life support at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Officers arrested Rene Anthony Garcia on suspicion of injury to a child, elderly or disabled, which is a first-degree felony.
His bail is set at $100,000, jail officials said. Police have said Garcia's charges may be ungraded.
The child's 25-year-old mother was home at the time of the incident, but she is not expected to be charged with a crime, police said.
http://www.caller.com/news/local/infant-injured-in-shaking-dies-1f1c976f-f1bc-0a8d-e053-0100007f47b3-325205001.html
Infant injured in shaking dies
by Staff Reports of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Posted: September 6, 2015 10:21 PM
An infant who police said was violently shaken by his father has died, officials said.
The 3-month-old boy died about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, said John Lennan with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
The boy's 46-year-old father was arrested Thursday after Corpus Christi police responded to a call about 3:45 p.m. for an unresponsive infant in the 4900 block of High Meadow Drive on the city's Southside.
The parents were attempting to administer CPR to the baby when officers arrived, according to a police news release Thursday. The baby had been on life support at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Officers arrested Rene Anthony Garcia on suspicion of injury to a child, elderly or disabled, which is a first-degree felony.
His bail is set at $100,000, jail officials said. Police have said Garcia's charges may be ungraded.
The child's 25-year-old mother was home at the time of the incident, but she is not expected to be charged with a crime, police said.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in death of 7-week-old baby (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Dad is identified as MICHAEL GUADALUPE.
Notice that this is another case where Mom had to work, while the abusive, deadbeat dad played at caregiver. And once again, a child dies because young males are easily frustrated and have no nurturing skills.
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/09/03/father-arrested-babys-death/71655794/
Father arrested in baby's death
10 News Staff, WTSP 7:09 p.m. EDT September 3, 2015
St. Petersburg, Florida -- The father of a 7-week-old baby was arrested Thursday following an investigation into his son's death on July 7.
Detectives first became involved in the case after the baby was taken to All Children's Hospital on June 29.
Police say on that day, the boy was left in the care of his father, Michael Guadalupe, while his mother went to work. The father claimed the infant had been fed and put in his crib after becoming fussy. The father then saw the infant was unresponsive and he called 911.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the boy had extensive internal injuries which were inconsistent with the father's account of what happened.
The child underwent surgery and was taken off life support July 7.
The medical examiner's determined the baby's cause of death was blunt head trauma and were consistent with being shaken.
The manner of death has been ruled homicide. Detectives tried to interview Guadalupe again, but he refused to speak with them. The child's mother is not a suspect.
Guadalupe has been charged with 1st degree murder.
Notice that this is another case where Mom had to work, while the abusive, deadbeat dad played at caregiver. And once again, a child dies because young males are easily frustrated and have no nurturing skills.
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/09/03/father-arrested-babys-death/71655794/
Father arrested in baby's death
10 News Staff, WTSP 7:09 p.m. EDT September 3, 2015
St. Petersburg, Florida -- The father of a 7-week-old baby was arrested Thursday following an investigation into his son's death on July 7.
Detectives first became involved in the case after the baby was taken to All Children's Hospital on June 29.
Police say on that day, the boy was left in the care of his father, Michael Guadalupe, while his mother went to work. The father claimed the infant had been fed and put in his crib after becoming fussy. The father then saw the infant was unresponsive and he called 911.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the boy had extensive internal injuries which were inconsistent with the father's account of what happened.
The child underwent surgery and was taken off life support July 7.
The medical examiner's determined the baby's cause of death was blunt head trauma and were consistent with being shaken.
The manner of death has been ruled homicide. Detectives tried to interview Guadalupe again, but he refused to speak with them. The child's mother is not a suspect.
Guadalupe has been charged with 1st degree murder.
Dad arrested for injuring 3-month-old son; baby on life support (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Dad is identified as RENE ANTHONY GARCIA.
http://www.kiiitv.com/story/29961179/father-arrested-for-injury-to-a-child-three-month-old-on-life-support
Father Arrested for Injury to a Child, Three-Month Old on Life Support
Posted: Sep 04, 2015 12:35 PM EST Updated: Sep 04, 2015 6:01 PM EST
FROM THE CORPUS CHRISTI POLICE DEPARTMENT - A three-month old boy is on life support after he was shaken Thursday night, allegedly by his father, and nurses say they are not optimistic about the baby's recovery.
The father, 46-year old Rene Anthony Garcia, was arrested and charged with injury to a child. If the child dies, those charges will be upgraded to capital murder.
It was Thursday afternoon when Corpus Christi police responded to a home in the 4900 block of High Meadow Drive for a report of a three-month old baby not breathing, with CPR in progress. Officers arrived and found both parents of the little boy inside the residence. The baby was unresponsive and transported to Driscoll Children's Hospital in critical condition.
Corpus Christi Police Family Violence Detectives responded and during an investigation, it was determined that the child's father, 46-year old Rene Anthony Garcia, had physically assaulted the child by shaking him.
The father was arrested on charges of injury to a child, a first degree felony. The 25-year old mother, who was home at the time, has not been charged with a crime. There were no other children at the home.
At last report the child was on life support at the hospital and not expected to survive. If the child does die, charges against the father could be upgraded to capital murder.
http://www.kiiitv.com/story/29961179/father-arrested-for-injury-to-a-child-three-month-old-on-life-support
Father Arrested for Injury to a Child, Three-Month Old on Life Support
Posted: Sep 04, 2015 12:35 PM EST Updated: Sep 04, 2015 6:01 PM EST
FROM THE CORPUS CHRISTI POLICE DEPARTMENT - A three-month old boy is on life support after he was shaken Thursday night, allegedly by his father, and nurses say they are not optimistic about the baby's recovery.
The father, 46-year old Rene Anthony Garcia, was arrested and charged with injury to a child. If the child dies, those charges will be upgraded to capital murder.
It was Thursday afternoon when Corpus Christi police responded to a home in the 4900 block of High Meadow Drive for a report of a three-month old baby not breathing, with CPR in progress. Officers arrived and found both parents of the little boy inside the residence. The baby was unresponsive and transported to Driscoll Children's Hospital in critical condition.
Corpus Christi Police Family Violence Detectives responded and during an investigation, it was determined that the child's father, 46-year old Rene Anthony Garcia, had physically assaulted the child by shaking him.
The father was arrested on charges of injury to a child, a first degree felony. The 25-year old mother, who was home at the time, has not been charged with a crime. There were no other children at the home.
At last report the child was on life support at the hospital and not expected to survive. If the child does die, charges against the father could be upgraded to capital murder.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Dad gets 7 years for killing 9-week-old daughter (United Kingdom)
Dad is identified as ADAM STOKES.
http://www.heart.co.uk/fourcounties/news/local/luton-dad-jailed-for-baby-daughters-death/#LKzKKDF81WrfxfGe.97
Luton Dad Jailed For Baby Daughter's Death
By Rachel Babbage, 11th August 2015, 12:26
Luton man Adam Stokes was sentenced today to seven years for the death of his nine-week-old daughter Scarlet.
Stokes, 33, was found guilty of manslaughter at Luton Crown Court last month following a three-week trial.
He was jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey today.
Experts concluded that Scarlet died from head injuries as a result of Stokes violently mishandling her.
On the morning of Monday 14 January 2013 Scarlet had become ill while being fed by her father. She was taken to hospital with a bleed on the brain but 10 days later her life support was withdrawn.
Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This is a tragic case in which the young life of a baby girl was taken when she should have had her full life ahead of her. This incomprehensible attack has left the family naturally devastated and although no sentence can undo this horrific loss we hope it can go some way in giving them closure.
"Adam was in a position of trust and should have protected his daughter. Violence against children will not be tolerated; we take any incident regarding the safety of a child very seriously and work hard to investigate any mistreatment to ensure culprits are brought to justice."
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: "This was a terrible crime, which led to the untimely death of 9-week-old Scarlet Stokes-Craig at her home in Luton.
"On Monday, 14 January 2013, Scarlet's mother called the emergency services at about 8.30am after Scarlet became unwell while being fed by her 33-year-old father, Adam Stokes. Scarlet was taken by ambulance to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and, after medical tests, was transferred by ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital where she died 10 days later when life support was withdrawn. The cause of death was a serious non-accidental head injury. The prosecution case was that the bleed on the brain was caused by the baby being shaken with excessive force by Stokes. Due to a birth defect Scarlet had spent a considerable amount of her short life in hospital. It is impossible to imagine a more vulnerable victim.
"Stokes denied causing the death of his defenceless daughter and offered no explanation for how she obtained her injuries, but was found guilty by a jury on 14 July after a three-week trial of her manslaughter, despite his denials.
"This was an extremely difficult and complex case to prosecute. Without any eye witnesses, we needed lengthy and highly technical evidence from top medical experts to help provide an explanation as to why this little girl died. This evidence enabled the prosecution to piece together what had happened and exclude any possible innocent explanation for her death.
"We have worked closely with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit since this investigation was launched and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved for baby Scarlet. I hope that the conviction and today's sentence will in some way help her extended family come to terms with this tragic event. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."
http://www.heart.co.uk/fourcounties/news/local/luton-dad-jailed-for-baby-daughters-death/#LKzKKDF81WrfxfGe.97
Luton Dad Jailed For Baby Daughter's Death
By Rachel Babbage, 11th August 2015, 12:26
Luton man Adam Stokes was sentenced today to seven years for the death of his nine-week-old daughter Scarlet.
Stokes, 33, was found guilty of manslaughter at Luton Crown Court last month following a three-week trial.
He was jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey today.
Experts concluded that Scarlet died from head injuries as a result of Stokes violently mishandling her.
On the morning of Monday 14 January 2013 Scarlet had become ill while being fed by her father. She was taken to hospital with a bleed on the brain but 10 days later her life support was withdrawn.
Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This is a tragic case in which the young life of a baby girl was taken when she should have had her full life ahead of her. This incomprehensible attack has left the family naturally devastated and although no sentence can undo this horrific loss we hope it can go some way in giving them closure.
"Adam was in a position of trust and should have protected his daughter. Violence against children will not be tolerated; we take any incident regarding the safety of a child very seriously and work hard to investigate any mistreatment to ensure culprits are brought to justice."
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: "This was a terrible crime, which led to the untimely death of 9-week-old Scarlet Stokes-Craig at her home in Luton.
"On Monday, 14 January 2013, Scarlet's mother called the emergency services at about 8.30am after Scarlet became unwell while being fed by her 33-year-old father, Adam Stokes. Scarlet was taken by ambulance to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and, after medical tests, was transferred by ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital where she died 10 days later when life support was withdrawn. The cause of death was a serious non-accidental head injury. The prosecution case was that the bleed on the brain was caused by the baby being shaken with excessive force by Stokes. Due to a birth defect Scarlet had spent a considerable amount of her short life in hospital. It is impossible to imagine a more vulnerable victim.
"Stokes denied causing the death of his defenceless daughter and offered no explanation for how she obtained her injuries, but was found guilty by a jury on 14 July after a three-week trial of her manslaughter, despite his denials.
"This was an extremely difficult and complex case to prosecute. Without any eye witnesses, we needed lengthy and highly technical evidence from top medical experts to help provide an explanation as to why this little girl died. This evidence enabled the prosecution to piece together what had happened and exclude any possible innocent explanation for her death.
"We have worked closely with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit since this investigation was launched and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved for baby Scarlet. I hope that the conviction and today's sentence will in some way help her extended family come to terms with this tragic event. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time."
Dad manages to inflict fatal injuries on 4-month-old son during 2-hour visit (Radcliff, Kentucky)
More on dad DANIEL COX....
What a freaking sh**head....
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/man-accused-beating-month-death-driving-32981877
Mom: Son Who Died Was Badly Bruised After 2 Hours With Dad
RADCLIFF, Ky. — Aug 10, 2015, 6:52 PM ET
By CLAIRE GALOFARO
Associated Press Associated Press
As police searched for a man seen driving down a Kentucky highway beating an infant in a car seat, Daniel Cox pulled up to Kimberly Chrystie's home, handed her their 4-month-old son and sped away, police say.
Jayceon Chrystie was black and blue and unresponsive; he had no pulse and his eye was swollen shut.
The baby died two days later, and Cox has been charged with his murder.
Cox, who did not live with his son, had asked the baby's mother, Kimberly Chrystie, if he could take the boy out for a visit Thursday, according to court records. They were gone for two hours.
Just before 7 p.m., a family called 911 to say they saw a man in a gold Mercury Grand Marquis repeatedly hitting a child in a car seat as he drove along a highway in Radcliff, about 45 miles south of Louisville, according to court records.
Dena Stevenson told WLKY-TV that she and her family drove behind the Grand Marquis for miles, and it looked like the man was beating the child in the head and the chest.
Officers began searching for the car.
Fifteen minutes later, Cox arrived at the infant's mother's home. She frantically called police.
"He dropped my child off almost two hours later, beat up all black and blue," she wrote in a request for a protective order she filed against Cox Friday. "I called 911 as soon as I seen my son."
Jayceon was not breathing and had no pulse, court documents show. Police wrote that Jayceon's left eye was swollen shut, his right cheek was swollen and he had "major bruising on his back and buttocks." His injuries were "consistent with a child being assaulted and abused," police wrote in the arrest warrant."
As emergency medics tried to resuscitate the baby, officers tracked Cox to Louisville, said Radcliff Police Capt. Willie Wells. He was arrested on an assault charge.
The baby, taken to a hospital in Louisville, was removed from life support Saturday night. Cox was charged with murder.
Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Robert Fraction told The Associated Press on Sunday that Jayceon died of an "inflicted traumatic injury to the head."
Cars lined the driveway and street outside the baby's mother's house Monday. A relative there said they were preparing funeral arrangements and declined to comment.
A judge set Cox's bond at $500,000 Monday, appointed a public defender for him and ordered him to return to court on Friday.
What a freaking sh**head....
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/man-accused-beating-month-death-driving-32981877
Mom: Son Who Died Was Badly Bruised After 2 Hours With Dad
RADCLIFF, Ky. — Aug 10, 2015, 6:52 PM ET
By CLAIRE GALOFARO
Associated Press Associated Press
As police searched for a man seen driving down a Kentucky highway beating an infant in a car seat, Daniel Cox pulled up to Kimberly Chrystie's home, handed her their 4-month-old son and sped away, police say.
Jayceon Chrystie was black and blue and unresponsive; he had no pulse and his eye was swollen shut.
The baby died two days later, and Cox has been charged with his murder.
Cox, who did not live with his son, had asked the baby's mother, Kimberly Chrystie, if he could take the boy out for a visit Thursday, according to court records. They were gone for two hours.
Just before 7 p.m., a family called 911 to say they saw a man in a gold Mercury Grand Marquis repeatedly hitting a child in a car seat as he drove along a highway in Radcliff, about 45 miles south of Louisville, according to court records.
Dena Stevenson told WLKY-TV that she and her family drove behind the Grand Marquis for miles, and it looked like the man was beating the child in the head and the chest.
Officers began searching for the car.
Fifteen minutes later, Cox arrived at the infant's mother's home. She frantically called police.
"He dropped my child off almost two hours later, beat up all black and blue," she wrote in a request for a protective order she filed against Cox Friday. "I called 911 as soon as I seen my son."
Jayceon was not breathing and had no pulse, court documents show. Police wrote that Jayceon's left eye was swollen shut, his right cheek was swollen and he had "major bruising on his back and buttocks." His injuries were "consistent with a child being assaulted and abused," police wrote in the arrest warrant."
As emergency medics tried to resuscitate the baby, officers tracked Cox to Louisville, said Radcliff Police Capt. Willie Wells. He was arrested on an assault charge.
The baby, taken to a hospital in Louisville, was removed from life support Saturday night. Cox was charged with murder.
Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Robert Fraction told The Associated Press on Sunday that Jayceon died of an "inflicted traumatic injury to the head."
Cars lined the driveway and street outside the baby's mother's house Monday. A relative there said they were preparing funeral arrangements and declined to comment.
A judge set Cox's bond at $500,000 Monday, appointed a public defender for him and ordered him to return to court on Friday.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Dad charged with manslaughter in beating death of 5-month-old son (Fort Lee, New Jersey)
Dad is identified as YOSEOP CHOI.
http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/2015/08/08/father-charged-manslaughter-death-month-old/31334125/
Father charged with manslaughter in death of 5-month-old
Associated Press 4:01 p.m. EDT August 8, 2015
FORT LEE — Authorities have upgraded charges against the father of a 5-month-old boy prosecutors say died after he was beaten.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said in a statement Friday Yoseop Choi is now facing a charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter.
The Fort Lee man is being held in Bergen County Jail on $1 million bail. He also faces aggravated assault and child endangerment charges.
Authorities say the boy died Thursday after being removed from life support at Bellevue Hospital in New York.
Choi brought the boy to the hospital July 28 in cardiac arrest.
He also had a severe head injury and a healing rib fracture.
Choi’s lawyer, Anthony Iacullo, has said his client pleaded not guilty to earlier charges but did not immediately return a message regarding the upgraded charge.
http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/2015/08/08/father-charged-manslaughter-death-month-old/31334125/
Father charged with manslaughter in death of 5-month-old
Associated Press 4:01 p.m. EDT August 8, 2015
FORT LEE — Authorities have upgraded charges against the father of a 5-month-old boy prosecutors say died after he was beaten.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said in a statement Friday Yoseop Choi is now facing a charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter.
The Fort Lee man is being held in Bergen County Jail on $1 million bail. He also faces aggravated assault and child endangerment charges.
Authorities say the boy died Thursday after being removed from life support at Bellevue Hospital in New York.
Choi brought the boy to the hospital July 28 in cardiac arrest.
He also had a severe head injury and a healing rib fracture.
Choi’s lawyer, Anthony Iacullo, has said his client pleaded not guilty to earlier charges but did not immediately return a message regarding the upgraded charge.
Dad charged with felony murder in death of 3-month-old son; "lewd acts" upon baby's 14-year-old moher (Santa Ana, California)
Dad is identified as JORDAN PETER MENDEZ.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mendez-673078-baby-mother.html
20-year-old dad facing murder charges in 3-month-old son's death
July 21, 2015 |Updated July 22, 2015 6:57 a.m.
Three-month-old Tristin Mendez died Monday afternoon after being on life support after he was found unresponsive on Friday. His father, 20-year-old Jordan Mendez, was arrested on charges of assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury or death.
BY ALMA FAUSTO / STAFF WRITER
A 20-year-old father who was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his three-month-old son who later died has been charged with murder.
Jordan Peter Mendez of Santa Ana was charged with one felony count of murder and another of committing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14, a charge tied to the age of the girl who is the boy’s mother.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 33 years to life in prison, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from the death of Mendez’s son, Tristin, who was in his care for a few hours last Friday and found unresponsive with blunt force head trauma, according to prosecutors.
Tristin’s mother was Mendez’s 14-year-old girlfriend. The girl has been identified by family members, but the Register is withholding her name because she is a minor.
The baby’s aunt, Kristy Kelly, 29, who is sister to the 14-year old mother, said in an interview Tuesday that she was present the day of the incident.
Kelly said Mendez was watching the boy while the mother went to run an errand with her brother, who lives in a Santa Ana apartment.
Mendez, who was at the apartment, said he was going to walk to the nearby CVS pharmacy with the baby in a stroller.
Though the store is within an 8-minute walk of the apartment, Mendez didn’t return right away. After he didn’t return, Kelly and the baby’s mother, who were back in the apartment, went looking for Mendez, but didn’t find him.
“He was gone for 3 1/2 or four hours,” Kelly said. “When he came back (that night) he proceeded to lay the baby down (on the floor), change the diaper and not let (the mother) touch him.”
Mendez made Tristin a bottle so he could then put the baby in his crib.
The mother demanded he hand over the baby, and Mendez reportedly refused. Kelly said she did not have “a good feeling by the look on (Mendez’s) face.”
When the mother finally approached the normally active baby and touched him, she noticed he wasn’t breathing and was bruised on one side of his head.
Kelly saw that the boy, and the stroller he had been in, were “soaking wet.”
Kelly called 911. When authorities arrived, they performed CPR and took the baby to the hospital where he was placed on life support. He died Monday afternoon.
The homicide investigation is ongoing. An autopsy on the baby was completed Tuesday afternoon, but results were not immediately available.
Kelly said her sister and Mendez had a tumultuous relationship. Kelly said she believed the relationship was troubled by his heroin addiction and their age difference.
The district attorney’s office stated Tuesday afternoon that between June and August 2014 Mendez had a sexual relationship with the boy's mother while she was under the age of 14.
Mendez is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and his court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mendez-673078-baby-mother.html
20-year-old dad facing murder charges in 3-month-old son's death
July 21, 2015 |Updated July 22, 2015 6:57 a.m.
Three-month-old Tristin Mendez died Monday afternoon after being on life support after he was found unresponsive on Friday. His father, 20-year-old Jordan Mendez, was arrested on charges of assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury or death.
BY ALMA FAUSTO / STAFF WRITER
A 20-year-old father who was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his three-month-old son who later died has been charged with murder.
Jordan Peter Mendez of Santa Ana was charged with one felony count of murder and another of committing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14, a charge tied to the age of the girl who is the boy’s mother.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 33 years to life in prison, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from the death of Mendez’s son, Tristin, who was in his care for a few hours last Friday and found unresponsive with blunt force head trauma, according to prosecutors.
Tristin’s mother was Mendez’s 14-year-old girlfriend. The girl has been identified by family members, but the Register is withholding her name because she is a minor.
The baby’s aunt, Kristy Kelly, 29, who is sister to the 14-year old mother, said in an interview Tuesday that she was present the day of the incident.
Kelly said Mendez was watching the boy while the mother went to run an errand with her brother, who lives in a Santa Ana apartment.
Mendez, who was at the apartment, said he was going to walk to the nearby CVS pharmacy with the baby in a stroller.
Though the store is within an 8-minute walk of the apartment, Mendez didn’t return right away. After he didn’t return, Kelly and the baby’s mother, who were back in the apartment, went looking for Mendez, but didn’t find him.
“He was gone for 3 1/2 or four hours,” Kelly said. “When he came back (that night) he proceeded to lay the baby down (on the floor), change the diaper and not let (the mother) touch him.”
Mendez made Tristin a bottle so he could then put the baby in his crib.
The mother demanded he hand over the baby, and Mendez reportedly refused. Kelly said she did not have “a good feeling by the look on (Mendez’s) face.”
When the mother finally approached the normally active baby and touched him, she noticed he wasn’t breathing and was bruised on one side of his head.
Kelly saw that the boy, and the stroller he had been in, were “soaking wet.”
Kelly called 911. When authorities arrived, they performed CPR and took the baby to the hospital where he was placed on life support. He died Monday afternoon.
The homicide investigation is ongoing. An autopsy on the baby was completed Tuesday afternoon, but results were not immediately available.
Kelly said her sister and Mendez had a tumultuous relationship. Kelly said she believed the relationship was troubled by his heroin addiction and their age difference.
The district attorney’s office stated Tuesday afternoon that between June and August 2014 Mendez had a sexual relationship with the boy's mother while she was under the age of 14.
Mendez is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and his court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Dad charged with homicide in death of 6-week-old son; mom charged with...holding a job? (Laurens, South Carolina)
Breathtaking example of ridiculously high standards mothers are held to. An absent father is virtually never held accountable for a mother or step mother's abuse.
But Mom is basically being arrested for holding a job while dad JOSEPH GALLOWAY played at being the primary parent.
Wow. Just wow. The US has no paid maternity leave policy. Daycare for infants is hard to come by and expensive. Mothers are pushed by child protection agencies and family courts to "include" fathers no matter how mentally ill, addicted, or violent they are.
Then mothers are blamed and even charged with crimes when the fathers hurt or kill the kids.
http://www.inquisitr.com/2258522/mason-madden-dies-dad-mom-arrested/
Mason Madden: Helpless Baby Dies Of Brain Injuries, Dad Admits Attack, Mom Arrested Too
Mason Madden was a smiling baby like most six-month-old babies, but that all ended when he died on Wednesday at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Now police say that the massive brain injuries that killed little Mason were caused by the baby’s own father, 22-year-old Joseph Galloway.
Galloway was arrested in Tuesday after he called 911 to report that his son was not breathing, and “something wasn’t right” with the little boy.
Something definitely was not right with Mason. When paramedics arrived the home in Laurens, South Carolina, Mason’s heart was not beating. They rushed the baby to a nearby hospital, where doctors worked all night to save Mason’s life, and the infant was placed on life support. But they damage inflicted on the boy was just too severe.
Mason Madden died the next day.
“The child suffered brain injuries that are not consistent with a fall or a strike to a head,” said Laurens County Sheriff’s Sergenat Barton Holmes. “They are more likely from squeezing the child or shaking the child.”
An autopsy has not yet been performed on the baby, but will likely take place later in the week, Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols said.
Initially, the young dad was charged with abuse of a child causing great bodily harm. But once Mason passed away, the charges against Joseph Galloway was upgraded to homicide.
Where was the baby’s mother? Kayla Madden, 23, was reportedly out of the home at work when her boyfriend and father of her child fatally attacked the baby.
But she has been arrested and charged now, as well. The mom was hit with a count of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Police did not specify the exact details of the unlawful conduct allegedly committed by Kayla Madden. But it is at least possible that she is being held responsible simply for leaving her baby alone at home with his violently-inclined dad.
According to police, the fatal assault on Mason was just the latest, and last, in a series of incidents of abuse over recent weeks.
According to Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jawarski Shelton, Galloway has confessed to abusing his infant son.
“He did indicate certain actions that likely resulted in the injuries sustained by the child,” Holmes also said.
The horrifying case comes up about five weeks after a couple in Indiana were arrested for allegedly abusing their one-year-old for the entire life of the baby, until they killed the child in late May.
Galloway is now being held without bond in Laurens County Detention Center, but a new bond hearing was scheduled for both parents of Mason Madden on Thursday afternoon, following the child’s death.
But Mom is basically being arrested for holding a job while dad JOSEPH GALLOWAY played at being the primary parent.
Wow. Just wow. The US has no paid maternity leave policy. Daycare for infants is hard to come by and expensive. Mothers are pushed by child protection agencies and family courts to "include" fathers no matter how mentally ill, addicted, or violent they are.
Then mothers are blamed and even charged with crimes when the fathers hurt or kill the kids.
http://www.inquisitr.com/2258522/mason-madden-dies-dad-mom-arrested/
Mason Madden: Helpless Baby Dies Of Brain Injuries, Dad Admits Attack, Mom Arrested Too
Mason Madden was a smiling baby like most six-month-old babies, but that all ended when he died on Wednesday at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Now police say that the massive brain injuries that killed little Mason were caused by the baby’s own father, 22-year-old Joseph Galloway.
Galloway was arrested in Tuesday after he called 911 to report that his son was not breathing, and “something wasn’t right” with the little boy.
Something definitely was not right with Mason. When paramedics arrived the home in Laurens, South Carolina, Mason’s heart was not beating. They rushed the baby to a nearby hospital, where doctors worked all night to save Mason’s life, and the infant was placed on life support. But they damage inflicted on the boy was just too severe.
Mason Madden died the next day.
“The child suffered brain injuries that are not consistent with a fall or a strike to a head,” said Laurens County Sheriff’s Sergenat Barton Holmes. “They are more likely from squeezing the child or shaking the child.”
An autopsy has not yet been performed on the baby, but will likely take place later in the week, Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols said.
Initially, the young dad was charged with abuse of a child causing great bodily harm. But once Mason passed away, the charges against Joseph Galloway was upgraded to homicide.
Where was the baby’s mother? Kayla Madden, 23, was reportedly out of the home at work when her boyfriend and father of her child fatally attacked the baby.
But she has been arrested and charged now, as well. The mom was hit with a count of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Police did not specify the exact details of the unlawful conduct allegedly committed by Kayla Madden. But it is at least possible that she is being held responsible simply for leaving her baby alone at home with his violently-inclined dad.
According to police, the fatal assault on Mason was just the latest, and last, in a series of incidents of abuse over recent weeks.
According to Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jawarski Shelton, Galloway has confessed to abusing his infant son.
“He did indicate certain actions that likely resulted in the injuries sustained by the child,” Holmes also said.
The horrifying case comes up about five weeks after a couple in Indiana were arrested for allegedly abusing their one-year-old for the entire life of the baby, until they killed the child in late May.
Galloway is now being held without bond in Laurens County Detention Center, but a new bond hearing was scheduled for both parents of Mason Madden on Thursday afternoon, following the child’s death.
Three-month-old baby dies after being on life support; felon dad in custody (Santa Ana, California)
Notice that the mother, who is not being charged, would have been about 13 when she got pregnant. Why isn't Daddy being charged with statutory rape?
Dad is identified as JORDAN MENDEZ.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/boy-672661-old-mendez.html
Three-month-old boy dies after being on life support; 20-year-old dad in custody
July 20, 2015 |Updated July 21, 2015 8:10 a.m.
BY ALMA FAUSTO / STAFF WRITER
SANTA ANA – A 3-month-old boy, whose father had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting the child, died Monday afternoon after being on life support through the weekend, officials confirmed.
The baby was found unresponsive Friday night by authorities after they were called to a home in the 800 block of West Stevens.
The boy’s father, 20-year-old Jordan Mendez, was arrested.
Authorities took the baby to Children’s Hospital of Orange County where he was placed on life support after he was found not breathing. Doctors there observed signs the boy had suffered physical trauma, Santa Ana police said after the incident.
Detectives are investigating the case as a homicide. Authorities said an autopsy would likely happen Tuesday.
Mendez, 20, has a past criminal history and has pleaded guilty to multiple non-violent felonies in the last two years.
He pleaded guilty in 2013 of being in possession of a controlled substance and concentrated cannabis. Another 2013 charge showed he was convicted of receiving stolen property.
Mendez also has a warrant out for his arrest for using someone else’s credit or debit card and personal information in 2014.
According to inmate records, Mendez is an electrician. He was booked on charges of assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury or death. He is being held in lieu of $1,020,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
As for the boy’s mother, she is 14 and not currently a suspect, according to Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department.
The 14-year-old girl has been identified by family members, but the Register is withholding her name because she is a minor.
On her Facebook profile, she displays photos of her with suspect Mendez and the baby boy.
She posted frequently about the boy, Tristin Mendez. Many of her posts showed her reaching milestones as a young mother.
Dad is identified as JORDAN MENDEZ.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/boy-672661-old-mendez.html
Three-month-old boy dies after being on life support; 20-year-old dad in custody
July 20, 2015 |Updated July 21, 2015 8:10 a.m.
BY ALMA FAUSTO / STAFF WRITER
SANTA ANA – A 3-month-old boy, whose father had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting the child, died Monday afternoon after being on life support through the weekend, officials confirmed.
The baby was found unresponsive Friday night by authorities after they were called to a home in the 800 block of West Stevens.
The boy’s father, 20-year-old Jordan Mendez, was arrested.
Authorities took the baby to Children’s Hospital of Orange County where he was placed on life support after he was found not breathing. Doctors there observed signs the boy had suffered physical trauma, Santa Ana police said after the incident.
Detectives are investigating the case as a homicide. Authorities said an autopsy would likely happen Tuesday.
Mendez, 20, has a past criminal history and has pleaded guilty to multiple non-violent felonies in the last two years.
He pleaded guilty in 2013 of being in possession of a controlled substance and concentrated cannabis. Another 2013 charge showed he was convicted of receiving stolen property.
Mendez also has a warrant out for his arrest for using someone else’s credit or debit card and personal information in 2014.
According to inmate records, Mendez is an electrician. He was booked on charges of assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury or death. He is being held in lieu of $1,020,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
As for the boy’s mother, she is 14 and not currently a suspect, according to Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department.
The 14-year-old girl has been identified by family members, but the Register is withholding her name because she is a minor.
On her Facebook profile, she displays photos of her with suspect Mendez and the baby boy.
She posted frequently about the boy, Tristin Mendez. Many of her posts showed her reaching milestones as a young mother.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Dad found guilty of manslaughter in death of 9-week-old daughter (United Kingdom)
Dad is identified as ADAM STOKES.
http://www.heart.co.uk/fourcounties/news/local/luton-man-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-of-his-baby/#zcBRXFveGcCoMfe7.97
Luton Man Found Guilty Of Manslaughter Of His Baby
By Annie Green, 14th July 2015, 16:26
A man from Luton's been found guilty of the manslaughter of his nine week old baby daughter.
Adam Stokes had violently shaken his daughter Scarlett leaving her with a bleed to the brain in January 2013. She collpased at their flat having had a heart attack.
She was rushed to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and transferred the same day to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, but she never regained consciousness and died there 10 days later when the life support was withdrawn.
Throughout the trial the prosecution said the dad was responsible for the appalling injuries she suffered by shaking her with "excessive force," which caused her brain injuries.
Stokes, who is 33 and from Runfold in Luton, pleaded not guilty to the girl's manslaughter but was found guilty by a jury at Luton Crown Court today (14 July) following a three-week trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This is a tragic case in which a very young baby has lost their life. This little girl should've been protected by her father.
"We will not tolerate violence towards children and work hard to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. We were committed to getting the right result for Scarlet and the verdict goes some way in helping her family who have had to deal with this devastating loss."
Stokes will be remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 11th August.
http://www.heart.co.uk/fourcounties/news/local/luton-man-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-of-his-baby/#zcBRXFveGcCoMfe7.97
Luton Man Found Guilty Of Manslaughter Of His Baby
By Annie Green, 14th July 2015, 16:26
A man from Luton's been found guilty of the manslaughter of his nine week old baby daughter.
Adam Stokes had violently shaken his daughter Scarlett leaving her with a bleed to the brain in January 2013. She collpased at their flat having had a heart attack.
She was rushed to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and transferred the same day to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, but she never regained consciousness and died there 10 days later when the life support was withdrawn.
Throughout the trial the prosecution said the dad was responsible for the appalling injuries she suffered by shaking her with "excessive force," which caused her brain injuries.
Stokes, who is 33 and from Runfold in Luton, pleaded not guilty to the girl's manslaughter but was found guilty by a jury at Luton Crown Court today (14 July) following a three-week trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This is a tragic case in which a very young baby has lost their life. This little girl should've been protected by her father.
"We will not tolerate violence towards children and work hard to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. We were committed to getting the right result for Scarlet and the verdict goes some way in helping her family who have had to deal with this devastating loss."
Stokes will be remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 11th August.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
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.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Dad charged with attempted 2nd-degree murder for attack on 6-week-old baby; mom loses custody though she was not at home (Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana)
Notice that even though the mother was not at home when Dad assaulted the baby, she has still lost custody. This is very typical. Mothers are very often held responsible for the crimes of others, even when they are not present or otherwise unable to intervene. However, the reverse is seldom true. A father can willingly and deliberately desert an abusive mother with a child, and he is virtually never held responsible for the consequences, either legally or morally.
Somewhat unusual touch here for a mainstream media article. We have pointed out before that shaking babies is a mostly male crime, mostly committed by fathers. All the studies on the matter have substantiated this. But that fact is usually swept under the rug with pleas to "parents" not to shake the baby. In fact, mothers are the LEAST likely shakers, while fathers are the MOST likely shakers.
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20150418/articles/150419622?p=1&tc=pg
Shaken baby off life support
By Maki Somosot Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 8:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 12:04 a.m.
An infant who the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office said was violently shaken by his father over a month ago has been removed from life support.
"He remains hospitalized in the recovery stage," sheriff's Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said.
Legal custody of the baby, who remains at the Children's Hospital in New Orleans, has been granted to the state Department of Child and Family Services instead of family members at this point, Wolfe added.
After initially being treated for severe brain damage at the Terrebonne General Medical Center in mid-March, the infant was transported to the Children's Hospital for additional treatment.
Medical officials in New Orleans filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Office when they determined the baby, who was 6 weeks old, suffered from brain bleeding and other injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, Wolfe said.
The baby's father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, of 1855 Bayou Blue Road, was arrested Mar. 19 on an attempted second-degree murder charge.
Marcel remains at the Terrebonne Parish jail on a $75,000 bond. Inflicting cruelty on a juvenile and the perceived severity of injury resulted in the charge, Wolfe said.
If convicted, Marcel faces up to 50 years in prison. Family members interviewed by detectives called Marcel "inexperienced" in caring for his newborn son while his wife was not home, Wolfe said.
According to a 1995 American Academy of Pediatrics paper, 37 percent of those who cause shaken baby syndrome are the biological father, 21 percent involve the mother's boyfriend. 17 percent are women caregivers, 13 percent are the biological mothers and 12 percent are classified as "other."
Dr. Randell Alexander, chief of the Child Protection and Forensic Pediatrics Division at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, said the majority of survivors often have impaired cognitive, visual and motor functions for the rest of their lives.
No information about the baby's long-term prognosis is available, officials said.
A representative from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services declined to provide specifics about the case, but said the department is looking into suitable guardians for the child.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Dagate is reviewing Marcel's case before setting a date for his trial.
Somewhat unusual touch here for a mainstream media article. We have pointed out before that shaking babies is a mostly male crime, mostly committed by fathers. All the studies on the matter have substantiated this. But that fact is usually swept under the rug with pleas to "parents" not to shake the baby. In fact, mothers are the LEAST likely shakers, while fathers are the MOST likely shakers.
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20150418/articles/150419622?p=1&tc=pg
Shaken baby off life support
By Maki Somosot Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 8:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 12:04 a.m.
An infant who the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office said was violently shaken by his father over a month ago has been removed from life support.
"He remains hospitalized in the recovery stage," sheriff's Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said.
Legal custody of the baby, who remains at the Children's Hospital in New Orleans, has been granted to the state Department of Child and Family Services instead of family members at this point, Wolfe added.
After initially being treated for severe brain damage at the Terrebonne General Medical Center in mid-March, the infant was transported to the Children's Hospital for additional treatment.
Medical officials in New Orleans filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Office when they determined the baby, who was 6 weeks old, suffered from brain bleeding and other injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, Wolfe said.
The baby's father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, of 1855 Bayou Blue Road, was arrested Mar. 19 on an attempted second-degree murder charge.
Marcel remains at the Terrebonne Parish jail on a $75,000 bond. Inflicting cruelty on a juvenile and the perceived severity of injury resulted in the charge, Wolfe said.
If convicted, Marcel faces up to 50 years in prison. Family members interviewed by detectives called Marcel "inexperienced" in caring for his newborn son while his wife was not home, Wolfe said.
According to a 1995 American Academy of Pediatrics paper, 37 percent of those who cause shaken baby syndrome are the biological father, 21 percent involve the mother's boyfriend. 17 percent are women caregivers, 13 percent are the biological mothers and 12 percent are classified as "other."
Dr. Randell Alexander, chief of the Child Protection and Forensic Pediatrics Division at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, said the majority of survivors often have impaired cognitive, visual and motor functions for the rest of their lives.
No information about the baby's long-term prognosis is available, officials said.
A representative from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services declined to provide specifics about the case, but said the department is looking into suitable guardians for the child.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Dagate is reviewing Marcel's case before setting a date for his trial.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Dad charged with murder in death of 2-month-old daughter (Greenwood, South Carolina)
Sounds like another case where Mom had to work, and Daddy was the deadbeat "caregiver."
Dad is identified as QUENTICO DUNLAP.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/28588396/greenwood-father-charged-in-death-of-3-month-old
Greenwood father charged in death of infant daughter
Posted: Mar 23, 2015 10:23 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 23, 2015 4:02 PM EDT
By Dal Kalsi
GREENWOOD, SC (FOX Carolina) - A Greenwood father faces murder/ homicide by child abuse charges after investigators said a two-month-old girl died as the result of a homicide.
Coroner Sonny Cox said Monday that Takari Louise Dunlap died the afternoon of March 13 at Greenville Health System.
Cox said the child died as the result of the head injury that occurred at an address on East Durst Avenue.
Greenwood County deputies said they were called to Self Regional Hospital on March 9, where doctors told them Takari was on life support with a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, internal bruising and other injuries.
Deputies said the Takari's father, Quentico Dunlap, 22, of Grendel Avenue was looking after the child when the injury occurred.
The mother said she returned to work to find the baby crying and screaming and that the child's arm was twitching, investigative reports state.
The family advised the mother to take Takari to the ER, where deputies were called, reports state. The child was airlifted to Greenville Health System's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she later died, reports state.
Deputies said a joint investigation with the Special Victims/ Child Fatality Unit with SLED revealed that Dunlap caused the injuries that led to Takari's death. Dunlap was arrested on March 20 and charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, according to investigative reports.
FOX Carolina spoke with Takari's mother Latidra Chiles said she never thought Dunlap would hurt his own child.
Dunlap is currently being held in the Greenwood County Detention Center without bond.
Dad is identified as QUENTICO DUNLAP.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/28588396/greenwood-father-charged-in-death-of-3-month-old
Greenwood father charged in death of infant daughter
Posted: Mar 23, 2015 10:23 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 23, 2015 4:02 PM EDT
By Dal Kalsi
GREENWOOD, SC (FOX Carolina) - A Greenwood father faces murder/ homicide by child abuse charges after investigators said a two-month-old girl died as the result of a homicide.
Coroner Sonny Cox said Monday that Takari Louise Dunlap died the afternoon of March 13 at Greenville Health System.
Cox said the child died as the result of the head injury that occurred at an address on East Durst Avenue.
Greenwood County deputies said they were called to Self Regional Hospital on March 9, where doctors told them Takari was on life support with a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, internal bruising and other injuries.
Deputies said the Takari's father, Quentico Dunlap, 22, of Grendel Avenue was looking after the child when the injury occurred.
The mother said she returned to work to find the baby crying and screaming and that the child's arm was twitching, investigative reports state.
The family advised the mother to take Takari to the ER, where deputies were called, reports state. The child was airlifted to Greenville Health System's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she later died, reports state.
Deputies said a joint investigation with the Special Victims/ Child Fatality Unit with SLED revealed that Dunlap caused the injuries that led to Takari's death. Dunlap was arrested on March 20 and charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, according to investigative reports.
FOX Carolina spoke with Takari's mother Latidra Chiles said she never thought Dunlap would hurt his own child.
Dunlap is currently being held in the Greenwood County Detention Center without bond.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Dad charged with attempted murder of 6-week-old son; baby on life support (New Orleans, Louisiana)
A very typical shaken baby story. Mom apparently forced to work, even though the baby is practically a newborn still. Trigger-temper Daddy (unemployed? underemployed?) takes over "caretaking." Of course, everybody swears he's a "good guy" even though the moron thinks you can "discipline" a newborn infant for crying.
Why jerks like this need to get jobs and let moms take care of babies...
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/lafourche-terrebonne/2015/03/20/baby-attempted-murder/25080421/
Baby fights for life, father charged with attempted murder
A man was arrested for shaking a 6-week-old baby who is now on life support.
WWL Jaclyn Kelley / Eyewitness News 6:21 p.m. CDT March 20, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - A Houma newborn is on life-support after Terrebonne Parish deputies say his father shook him, causing a major brain injury.
The father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, is behind bars after being charged with attempted second-degree murder. Meanwhile, the 6-week-old boy is fighting for his life at Children's Hospital in New Orleans.
Back in Houma, friends and family said they were in complete shock after learning deputies arrested Marcel Thursday night for shaking the baby.
"I can't believe it at all, very shocking," says a friend, who asked not to be identified. "I'm still in shock."
Terrebonne Parish deputies say, on Sunday, the newborn's parents rushed him to the hospital after he started having seizures.
It was there that doctors discovered the baby had bruises on his body and damage to two thirds of his brain. An injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
"This child will never have a normal life and right now we are not sure if the child is going to make it or not, but if the child does make it he still won't be normal," says Major Malcolm Wolfe, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say Marcel was home alone with the baby while his mother was at work.
Marcel told investigators the newborn would not stop crying and that he was just trying to discipline the baby, but Marcel says he did not intentionally hurt his son.
"He is cooperating and is taking responsibility," says Wolfe. "He was in possession of child when the child was injured."
A close friend of Marcel's says he never thought he could be capable of something like this.
"What I knew, he was a good guy, you couldn't ask for better," says his friend. "Never had to deal with him, he's a quiet guy."
Marcel's friends says, as a father himself, his thoughts are with the newborn and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
"I hope they get through it, I hope the baby pulls through, that's the most that I hope," says the friend. "Anything else, that justice is served, but I just hope the baby pulls through this."
On Friday, the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office charged Marcel with attempted murder and he remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-876-2500.
Why jerks like this need to get jobs and let moms take care of babies...
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/lafourche-terrebonne/2015/03/20/baby-attempted-murder/25080421/
Baby fights for life, father charged with attempted murder
A man was arrested for shaking a 6-week-old baby who is now on life support.
WWL Jaclyn Kelley / Eyewitness News 6:21 p.m. CDT March 20, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - A Houma newborn is on life-support after Terrebonne Parish deputies say his father shook him, causing a major brain injury.
The father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, is behind bars after being charged with attempted second-degree murder. Meanwhile, the 6-week-old boy is fighting for his life at Children's Hospital in New Orleans.
Back in Houma, friends and family said they were in complete shock after learning deputies arrested Marcel Thursday night for shaking the baby.
"I can't believe it at all, very shocking," says a friend, who asked not to be identified. "I'm still in shock."
Terrebonne Parish deputies say, on Sunday, the newborn's parents rushed him to the hospital after he started having seizures.
It was there that doctors discovered the baby had bruises on his body and damage to two thirds of his brain. An injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
"This child will never have a normal life and right now we are not sure if the child is going to make it or not, but if the child does make it he still won't be normal," says Major Malcolm Wolfe, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say Marcel was home alone with the baby while his mother was at work.
Marcel told investigators the newborn would not stop crying and that he was just trying to discipline the baby, but Marcel says he did not intentionally hurt his son.
"He is cooperating and is taking responsibility," says Wolfe. "He was in possession of child when the child was injured."
A close friend of Marcel's says he never thought he could be capable of something like this.
"What I knew, he was a good guy, you couldn't ask for better," says his friend. "Never had to deal with him, he's a quiet guy."
Marcel's friends says, as a father himself, his thoughts are with the newborn and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
"I hope they get through it, I hope the baby pulls through, that's the most that I hope," says the friend. "Anything else, that justice is served, but I just hope the baby pulls through this."
On Friday, the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office charged Marcel with attempted murder and he remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-876-2500.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Non-custodial mom: They ran my little girl to death (Birmingham, Alabama)
In many ways this is a typical custodial father story. Dad ROBERT HARDIN outlawyers Mom, buries her in unfounded child abuse allegations, moves out of state, denies Mom all contact. Mom can't even get legal help.
Notice that there are hints of wife abuse as well.
And of course, Daddy isn't interested in parenting. He's only interested in hurting Mom--just as he told her at the outset of his custodial war. And then what does Daddy do after he gets custody? He promptly moves out of state with no warning, then HE moves out of the country and dumps the girl on wife #2, that even HE claims was unstable and violent.
If moms are responsible for violent boyfriends and the like--even when they are being battered themselves--then surely this dude is responsible as well. But as very often happens, fathers are virtually never held accountable for failure to protect.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/19/they-ran-my-little-girl-to-death.html?source=TDB&via=FB_Page
03.19.15
They Ran My Little Girl to Death
Heather Walker's daughter, Savannah, died after her grandmother and stepmother allegedly forced her to run laps until she collapsed.
Heather Walker thought she had finally reached the end of a grueling three-year custody battle for her 9-year-old daughter, Savannah Hardin. But the next time she saw Savannah, the little girl was in a coma after allegedly being forced to run laps for hours as a punishment for eating candy bars.
Now, Savannah’s grandmother Joyce Hardin Garrard is on trial for capital murder in connection with Savannah’s death, and the girl’s stepmother, Jessica Hardin, has been charged with murder for allegedly failing to intervene when Savannah pleaded for help.
Walker, who declined to speak publicly about the tragedy for three years, told her story in an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast. Heather Walker sat beside 9-year-old Savannah in a Birmingham children’s hospital on February 19, 2012. Savannah's mop of blond hair had been pulled into a tight ponytail on the top of her head, and it looked as if she was just sleeping.
Heather wiped the blood off Savannah’s face and hands with a warm cloth and thought how big the little girl had gotten in the two years since she’d seen her last.
She didn’t know if Savannah could hear her—she had learned in radiology school that doctors don’t really know how sentient the brain of a coma patient really is—but there were so many things Heather wanted to say to her daughter, and so many questions she’d wanted to ask. So Heather just talked like Savannah was there with her, though part of her knew that this was her last chance to tell her daughter anything again.
What was daily life like for Savannah? Was she still cheerleading like she had been at home? How was she doing in school? Did she have pets at her new house? Had she received any of the packages Heather had been sending? Did she know Heather had been fighting for her, that she didn’t just give her away?
“I just want you to know that mommy fought for you and never gave up on you,” Heather told her. “I love you with all of my heart,” Heather said, making the secret circle with her hands that she and Savannah had done back and forth so many times.
A tear ran down Savannah’s face.
Maybe it didn’t mean anything. A nurse said it was just a nerve, a reflex, and maybe she was right.
But for Heather, it was goodbye. And she felt Savannah let go.
***
What happened to Savannah?
According to doctors, Savannah had suffered from seizures triggered by low sodium, brought on by “prolonged physical exertion.”
Savannah’s grandmother, 49-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard, had taken Savannah to the hospital. She told Heather that Savannah was practicing for a race at school. “She keeps coming in second place,” Heather says Garrard told her. “So we were outside practicing in the yard and I don’t know what happened.” Neighbors testified they thought the punishment would stop when they saw Savannah down on all fours, vomiting in the yard.
When Heather heard Garrard telling the seizure story to her sister, the details had changed: Now Savannah had tripped and fallen.
“Joyce’s story kept changing. Nothing was consistent,” Heather says. (A paramedic, a school counselor, and an investigator would all later say that Garrard had changed her story with them as well.)
When Heather finally arrived at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital—after 12 hours of travel, where the doctor’s “Ma’am, how soon can you get here?” echoed in her brain—she says it was Joyce who tried to stop her from seeing Savannah. Heather says she walked into the ICU as Joyce shouted behind her to the nurses, “Don’t you let her in there with that baby alone!”
When Joyce finally agreed to let Heather see her daughter, she told her that she would only be able to sit a minute, that she would have to switch with her and Jessica Hardin, Savannah’s stepmother. “And don’t be touching her a lot,” Heather says Joyce said when she hugged Savannah.
“When you looked at Joyce you didn’t see an upset person. There was just…nothing,” Heather says of her ex-mother-in-law’s demeanor. After they had taken Savannah off the breathing machines, Heather says, Joyce started to panic.
“She pinned Jessica up against the side of the hospital wall. She was staring into her eyes and telling her in a low stern voice, ‘Listen here, you need to pull it together. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? There’s a lot on the line here.’”
“And I knew something wasn’t right,” Heather says.
***
Savannah’s grandmother had reason to worry.
Both she and Jessica Hardin would be arrested the next day on charges of murder for Savannah’s death. Joyce Garrard currently is on trial in Alabama facing capital murder charges. She maintains her innocence, but if found guilty, she could receive a death sentence or life without parole.
According to investigators, on the afternoon of February 17, 2012, Garrard—whom prosecutors have dubbed the “drill sergeant from hell”—forced little Savannah to run 50-foot sprints for close to three hours while carrying firewood the size of cinder blocks, until the girl collapsed from vomiting and dehydration. It was corporal punishment, officials say, for eating chocolate bars on the school bus and lying about it.
At Garrard’s trial, witnesses for the prosecution have testified about what went on during Savannah’s last hours.
A neighbor said he watched Savannah as she begged Garrard to stop.
“Keep running,” Garrard replied. “I didn’t tell you you could stop.” When Savannah pleaded for her stepmother, Jessica Hardin, to stop the punishment, Garrard reportedly said, “‘Don't look at her. She won’t help you.”
It seems Garrard was right. Officials say Savannah’s mother and father were miles away and Savannah’s stepmother (who has also been charged with murder for failing to intervene), her neighbors, and the bus driver who all watched as the punishment was taking place, did nothing to stop it.
A surveillance video taken from the bus Savannah rode to school captured a conversation between bus driver Raeanna Holmes and Garrard. On it, Garrard tells the driver, “She’s going to run until I tell her to stop.”
“She’s going to learn,” Garrard said.
Savannah ran until she couldn’t anymore. Neighbors testified they thought the punishment would stop when they saw Savannah down on all fours, vomiting in the yard. Garrard was pouring water in her mouth. Eventually Savannah just collapsed and her stepmother finally called 911.
When an ambulance arrived, medics found the 75-pound girl in panties and a T-shirt, passed out on the lawn, freezing and soaked to the bone, a wet blanket laid on top of her. Cuts from the firewood lined Savannah’s arms.
***
When a child suffers such a horrific ordeal, the natural question follows: Where were her parents? In Savannah’s case the answer is simple: Her mother was in Florida, her father overseas working as a civilian contractor. The “why” behind Savannah’s separation from her mother is much more complicated.
Robert and Heather Hardin got married young after getting pregnant with Savannah. Robert’s mother, Joyce Garrard, had arranged the shotgun wedding, Heather says. “In two weeks we planned to get married by a pastor I didn’t know, in a church I had never been to,” she says.
Robert joined the military and was gone for long stretches. Before long, the two had grown apart and by the time Savannah was 3 years old, her parents’ divorce was final and Heather had moved with her daughter to Plant City, Florida. The divorce wasn’t amicable. As Heather boarded the plane to Florida, she says Robert said, “I hate you and you’ll pay for this one day.”
But it was Robert who started paying, $200 a month in child support, and even when he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 2006, he didn’t see much of Savannah. By 2009, he was remarried, to Jessica Hardin, and had had another child, their son Gavin. According to Heather, his new family sparked a desire on Robert’s part to be a bigger part of Savannah’s life.
Heather says Robert started asking to take Savannah on the holidays and weekends. He would come to see her cheer at Little League games and the co-parenting arrangement was working well. Savannah went to visit her dad on spring break in 2009—but when Heather arrived at the usual exchange point in Daytona, she says Robert never showed. Heather says Robert was adamant: “I’m not giving her back,” he said.
Later that day, she got a call from an investigator at the Florida Department of Children and Families; Robert had charged her with abandonment, claiming that she had relinquished rights to their daughter by going on a weeklong trip to visit a boyfriend in Wyoming during Robert’s scheduled visit with Savannah. When she got home, a sheriff met her at the door with paperwork asking a judge to turn over full custody.
When Robert decided he wanted Savannah, he hired a lawyer and started an aggressive campaign to keep the child away from her mother. According to Florida Department of Children and Family records, Robert filed at least five complaints between 2009 and 2012. The state investigations found his accusations—from physical and mental abuse of Savannah to inhabitable living conditions—to be unfounded and each of the cases were closed. In one of the reports, an investigator said Savannah sounded as if she had been “coached” by her father.
On top of the constant DCF investigations, and a legal process that she had to make her way through without the help of a lawyer, Heather was laid off from her job as a catering truck delivery driver. She had been forced to move from her home and while she was waiting for her new job at a hardware store to start, she had to move into an ex-boyfriend’s home. Robert reported the man to the court for being a former felon. (An investigation found the boyfriend not to be a threat to Savannah’s well-being). Other reports were specifically aimed at Savannah’s babysitter, who subsequently refused to watch Savannah anymore, reportedly fearing for her own children’s safety.
“Robert took every avenue to make things more difficult for me,” Heather says.
They were going back and forth to court. Robert’s attorney filed petitions on his behalf while Heather went to the courthouse alone and sought out pro bono legal services, which would help her fill out forms, but wouldn’t give legal advice. One service could only help if she was a victim of domestic abuse, which she wasn’t.
“He had an attorney and I didn’t. He was in the military, and people look highly on that,” Heather says. “I was afraid that we would go to court and a judge would say, ‘Well, how do you think you’re going to take care of her?’ So I brought myself to terms with voluntarily letting her live there, against my better judgment, because if I thought if I don’t, the judge is probably going to take her anyway.”
And so the couple agreed that Savannah would temporarily move into her father’s Jacksonville home in September of 2009. A court-ordered parenting plan shows that Heather and Robert shared custody—school and medical decisions and the like would be made jointly—and Heather would visit with Savannah on designated weekends. Heather sent Savannah trinkets and treats in care packages and they would talk on the phone. In the meantime, Heather was going to school and working a new full-time job. Soon she moved into a little house with her 3-year-old son, Savannah’s younger half-brother.
Things looked like they were settling down. She would have Savannah back soon; that was the plan. On Martin Luther King Day weekend 2010, Heather took Savannah to get pictures made at Walmart. Their birthdays were close together so they bought a cake, too. Savannah asked the woman behind the bakery counter to write, “Happy Birthday, Savannah and Mommy.”
“And that was the last birthday we ever shared together,” Heather says. “It was the last time I saw her outside of a hospital bed.”
Heather says Robert never told her that he was moving his family back to Alabama. When Savannah’s birthday package was returned to Heather’s address and Robert stopped answering his phone, Heather called Joyce Garrard, who told her that Savannah was at her home. Heather says she was allowed to speak to her only once, and Savannah told her they had moved into “Maw-maw’s house.” It was the last time she would be able to talk to her daughter.
What happened during the next two years that Savannah lived in Alabama with her father and stepmother is still something of a mystery to Heather. Robert was working as a civilian contractor overseas; a spokeswoman for the Etowah County Sheriff's office told the AP that Robert “lived outside the country,” leaving Jessica and Joyce to do the majority of the caregiving.
Still, the custody fight continued in Alabama. Robert filed for a petition to modify custody, an action that, if granted, would strip Heather of her parenting rights, reasoning he could “provide a more stable home” for Savannah. Heather answered in court documents that Robert was on “a crusade to keep Savannah away” from her.
She continued: “[Savannah] was doing well in school, enrolled in cheerleading, and was a well-rounded child. Since residing with Robert she is now in counseling and seeing therapists…I am extremely concerned for the welfare of Savannah as I am concerned that there may be things going on in their home that are the cause of the problem.”
Though Heather didn’t know it, she had reason to be concerned. At Joyce Garrard’s trial, Savannah’s pediatrician, Dr. Deborah Smith, cryptically testified that the relationship between Joyce, Savannah, and her stepmother Jessica "was not normal" and said she almost contacted authorities, but in the end didn't.
Meanwhile, Robert and Jessica had been going through a divorce and custody dispute as well.
Records show an environment far from stable. Robert’s divorce complaint charged Savannah’s stepmother with verbal and emotional abuse. He claimed she had a drinking problem and suffered from bipolar disorder that she refused to treat.
Jessica, in turn, filed for a restraining order against Robert in August 2010. In her petition, she said Robert had become physically and mentally abusive. He “pushed her against a wall and threw her on the couch” and threatened her. “Robert has said I will never be allowed to see my son and will do whatever it take to make sure of it,” the complaint says.
The following day, Robert filed an affidavit claiming Jessica was “not financially, mentally, or physically able to provide a safe environment for the child.”
Five months later, Robert and Jessica reconciled and asked a judge to dismiss their case.
Heather didn’t know any of this as she drove back and forth to Alabama half a dozen times between 2010 and 2011 to appear in court in her attempt to win Savannah back. She’d stop by Savannah’s new home but no one was ever there. She’d leave packages for Savannah on the porch but still doesn’t know if she ever received them. The Hardins changed their phone numbers so contact was impossible.
Robert never appeared in court for the custody hearings, Heather says. She says Robert’s lawyer explained his client’s absence by saying her ex-husband was working or training. The repeated motions for continuances were wearing on Heather and at their final court appearance in December 2011, Heather says Robert made new accusations that she was too mentally unstable to take care of Savannah. At every appearance, Heather says the judge would tell her the same thing: “You need to get an attorney.” That’s when she says she broke down in the judge’s chambers.
“I just need to see my daughter,” Heather says she told the judge. “I don’t have money for an attorney and I just need someone to tell me what to do. I’m not crazy, but if I was, it’s because he took my child away from me and hasn’t let me see or talk to her for two years.”
Finally she says—and court documents show—the judge told her, “Look. You need to go get a psychiatric evaluation and when it comes back the way I’m pretty sure it will, I will make up the time you’ve lost with your daughter.”
“We left that day and never made it to the next trial,” Heather says. “I did everything I knew to do, but in the end, everything I knew to do wasn’t enough.”
***
It’s been three years since Savannah’s death. The little girl who loved the color blue and horses should be in the sixth grade. Time hasn’t dulled Heather Walker's loss; the Florida mother has a 9-year-old, a 10-month-old, and two stepchildren with her new husband, who she met the weekend before Savannah’s death. Heather finished her radiology degree in 2011, but can’t bear to step foot in a hospital anymore, so she says she’s in a kind of limbo. She works two jobs in Florida while her husband is training to be an EMT.
Heather sometimes finds herself picking up trinkets at the store that Savannah would love before remembering there’s no way to send them to her. And she doesn’t know how to reply when people ask how many children she has—to say two feels like a betrayal of Savannah, to say three opens herself up to questions that are hard to answer.
And she’s keeping an eye on the trial in Alabama. Heather has been subpoenaed as a potential witness, but says prosecutors haven’t called her yet. She may go to Alabama for the verdict, but says the thought of seeing Joyce and listening to the closing statements where prosecutors will relive Savannah’s final moments may be too much to handle.
“I feel like she’s guilty,” Heather says. “It might not have been her intention, but ultimately it all falls on Joyce. As an adult and a parent and a grandparent, you should know when enough is enough. Even if Savannah really did do what they are saying she did, you don’t punish a child like that.”
Notice that there are hints of wife abuse as well.
And of course, Daddy isn't interested in parenting. He's only interested in hurting Mom--just as he told her at the outset of his custodial war. And then what does Daddy do after he gets custody? He promptly moves out of state with no warning, then HE moves out of the country and dumps the girl on wife #2, that even HE claims was unstable and violent.
If moms are responsible for violent boyfriends and the like--even when they are being battered themselves--then surely this dude is responsible as well. But as very often happens, fathers are virtually never held accountable for failure to protect.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/19/they-ran-my-little-girl-to-death.html?source=TDB&via=FB_Page
03.19.15
They Ran My Little Girl to Death
Heather Walker's daughter, Savannah, died after her grandmother and stepmother allegedly forced her to run laps until she collapsed.
Heather Walker thought she had finally reached the end of a grueling three-year custody battle for her 9-year-old daughter, Savannah Hardin. But the next time she saw Savannah, the little girl was in a coma after allegedly being forced to run laps for hours as a punishment for eating candy bars.
Now, Savannah’s grandmother Joyce Hardin Garrard is on trial for capital murder in connection with Savannah’s death, and the girl’s stepmother, Jessica Hardin, has been charged with murder for allegedly failing to intervene when Savannah pleaded for help.
Walker, who declined to speak publicly about the tragedy for three years, told her story in an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast. Heather Walker sat beside 9-year-old Savannah in a Birmingham children’s hospital on February 19, 2012. Savannah's mop of blond hair had been pulled into a tight ponytail on the top of her head, and it looked as if she was just sleeping.
Heather wiped the blood off Savannah’s face and hands with a warm cloth and thought how big the little girl had gotten in the two years since she’d seen her last.
She didn’t know if Savannah could hear her—she had learned in radiology school that doctors don’t really know how sentient the brain of a coma patient really is—but there were so many things Heather wanted to say to her daughter, and so many questions she’d wanted to ask. So Heather just talked like Savannah was there with her, though part of her knew that this was her last chance to tell her daughter anything again.
What was daily life like for Savannah? Was she still cheerleading like she had been at home? How was she doing in school? Did she have pets at her new house? Had she received any of the packages Heather had been sending? Did she know Heather had been fighting for her, that she didn’t just give her away?
“I just want you to know that mommy fought for you and never gave up on you,” Heather told her. “I love you with all of my heart,” Heather said, making the secret circle with her hands that she and Savannah had done back and forth so many times.
A tear ran down Savannah’s face.
Maybe it didn’t mean anything. A nurse said it was just a nerve, a reflex, and maybe she was right.
But for Heather, it was goodbye. And she felt Savannah let go.
***
What happened to Savannah?
According to doctors, Savannah had suffered from seizures triggered by low sodium, brought on by “prolonged physical exertion.”
Savannah’s grandmother, 49-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard, had taken Savannah to the hospital. She told Heather that Savannah was practicing for a race at school. “She keeps coming in second place,” Heather says Garrard told her. “So we were outside practicing in the yard and I don’t know what happened.” Neighbors testified they thought the punishment would stop when they saw Savannah down on all fours, vomiting in the yard.
When Heather heard Garrard telling the seizure story to her sister, the details had changed: Now Savannah had tripped and fallen.
“Joyce’s story kept changing. Nothing was consistent,” Heather says. (A paramedic, a school counselor, and an investigator would all later say that Garrard had changed her story with them as well.)
When Heather finally arrived at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital—after 12 hours of travel, where the doctor’s “Ma’am, how soon can you get here?” echoed in her brain—she says it was Joyce who tried to stop her from seeing Savannah. Heather says she walked into the ICU as Joyce shouted behind her to the nurses, “Don’t you let her in there with that baby alone!”
When Joyce finally agreed to let Heather see her daughter, she told her that she would only be able to sit a minute, that she would have to switch with her and Jessica Hardin, Savannah’s stepmother. “And don’t be touching her a lot,” Heather says Joyce said when she hugged Savannah.
“When you looked at Joyce you didn’t see an upset person. There was just…nothing,” Heather says of her ex-mother-in-law’s demeanor. After they had taken Savannah off the breathing machines, Heather says, Joyce started to panic.
“She pinned Jessica up against the side of the hospital wall. She was staring into her eyes and telling her in a low stern voice, ‘Listen here, you need to pull it together. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? There’s a lot on the line here.’”
“And I knew something wasn’t right,” Heather says.
***
Savannah’s grandmother had reason to worry.
Both she and Jessica Hardin would be arrested the next day on charges of murder for Savannah’s death. Joyce Garrard currently is on trial in Alabama facing capital murder charges. She maintains her innocence, but if found guilty, she could receive a death sentence or life without parole.
According to investigators, on the afternoon of February 17, 2012, Garrard—whom prosecutors have dubbed the “drill sergeant from hell”—forced little Savannah to run 50-foot sprints for close to three hours while carrying firewood the size of cinder blocks, until the girl collapsed from vomiting and dehydration. It was corporal punishment, officials say, for eating chocolate bars on the school bus and lying about it.
At Garrard’s trial, witnesses for the prosecution have testified about what went on during Savannah’s last hours.
A neighbor said he watched Savannah as she begged Garrard to stop.
“Keep running,” Garrard replied. “I didn’t tell you you could stop.” When Savannah pleaded for her stepmother, Jessica Hardin, to stop the punishment, Garrard reportedly said, “‘Don't look at her. She won’t help you.”
It seems Garrard was right. Officials say Savannah’s mother and father were miles away and Savannah’s stepmother (who has also been charged with murder for failing to intervene), her neighbors, and the bus driver who all watched as the punishment was taking place, did nothing to stop it.
A surveillance video taken from the bus Savannah rode to school captured a conversation between bus driver Raeanna Holmes and Garrard. On it, Garrard tells the driver, “She’s going to run until I tell her to stop.”
“She’s going to learn,” Garrard said.
Savannah ran until she couldn’t anymore. Neighbors testified they thought the punishment would stop when they saw Savannah down on all fours, vomiting in the yard. Garrard was pouring water in her mouth. Eventually Savannah just collapsed and her stepmother finally called 911.
When an ambulance arrived, medics found the 75-pound girl in panties and a T-shirt, passed out on the lawn, freezing and soaked to the bone, a wet blanket laid on top of her. Cuts from the firewood lined Savannah’s arms.
***
When a child suffers such a horrific ordeal, the natural question follows: Where were her parents? In Savannah’s case the answer is simple: Her mother was in Florida, her father overseas working as a civilian contractor. The “why” behind Savannah’s separation from her mother is much more complicated.
Robert and Heather Hardin got married young after getting pregnant with Savannah. Robert’s mother, Joyce Garrard, had arranged the shotgun wedding, Heather says. “In two weeks we planned to get married by a pastor I didn’t know, in a church I had never been to,” she says.
Robert joined the military and was gone for long stretches. Before long, the two had grown apart and by the time Savannah was 3 years old, her parents’ divorce was final and Heather had moved with her daughter to Plant City, Florida. The divorce wasn’t amicable. As Heather boarded the plane to Florida, she says Robert said, “I hate you and you’ll pay for this one day.”
But it was Robert who started paying, $200 a month in child support, and even when he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 2006, he didn’t see much of Savannah. By 2009, he was remarried, to Jessica Hardin, and had had another child, their son Gavin. According to Heather, his new family sparked a desire on Robert’s part to be a bigger part of Savannah’s life.
Heather says Robert started asking to take Savannah on the holidays and weekends. He would come to see her cheer at Little League games and the co-parenting arrangement was working well. Savannah went to visit her dad on spring break in 2009—but when Heather arrived at the usual exchange point in Daytona, she says Robert never showed. Heather says Robert was adamant: “I’m not giving her back,” he said.
Later that day, she got a call from an investigator at the Florida Department of Children and Families; Robert had charged her with abandonment, claiming that she had relinquished rights to their daughter by going on a weeklong trip to visit a boyfriend in Wyoming during Robert’s scheduled visit with Savannah. When she got home, a sheriff met her at the door with paperwork asking a judge to turn over full custody.
When Robert decided he wanted Savannah, he hired a lawyer and started an aggressive campaign to keep the child away from her mother. According to Florida Department of Children and Family records, Robert filed at least five complaints between 2009 and 2012. The state investigations found his accusations—from physical and mental abuse of Savannah to inhabitable living conditions—to be unfounded and each of the cases were closed. In one of the reports, an investigator said Savannah sounded as if she had been “coached” by her father.
On top of the constant DCF investigations, and a legal process that she had to make her way through without the help of a lawyer, Heather was laid off from her job as a catering truck delivery driver. She had been forced to move from her home and while she was waiting for her new job at a hardware store to start, she had to move into an ex-boyfriend’s home. Robert reported the man to the court for being a former felon. (An investigation found the boyfriend not to be a threat to Savannah’s well-being). Other reports were specifically aimed at Savannah’s babysitter, who subsequently refused to watch Savannah anymore, reportedly fearing for her own children’s safety.
“Robert took every avenue to make things more difficult for me,” Heather says.
They were going back and forth to court. Robert’s attorney filed petitions on his behalf while Heather went to the courthouse alone and sought out pro bono legal services, which would help her fill out forms, but wouldn’t give legal advice. One service could only help if she was a victim of domestic abuse, which she wasn’t.
“He had an attorney and I didn’t. He was in the military, and people look highly on that,” Heather says. “I was afraid that we would go to court and a judge would say, ‘Well, how do you think you’re going to take care of her?’ So I brought myself to terms with voluntarily letting her live there, against my better judgment, because if I thought if I don’t, the judge is probably going to take her anyway.”
And so the couple agreed that Savannah would temporarily move into her father’s Jacksonville home in September of 2009. A court-ordered parenting plan shows that Heather and Robert shared custody—school and medical decisions and the like would be made jointly—and Heather would visit with Savannah on designated weekends. Heather sent Savannah trinkets and treats in care packages and they would talk on the phone. In the meantime, Heather was going to school and working a new full-time job. Soon she moved into a little house with her 3-year-old son, Savannah’s younger half-brother.
Things looked like they were settling down. She would have Savannah back soon; that was the plan. On Martin Luther King Day weekend 2010, Heather took Savannah to get pictures made at Walmart. Their birthdays were close together so they bought a cake, too. Savannah asked the woman behind the bakery counter to write, “Happy Birthday, Savannah and Mommy.”
“And that was the last birthday we ever shared together,” Heather says. “It was the last time I saw her outside of a hospital bed.”
Heather says Robert never told her that he was moving his family back to Alabama. When Savannah’s birthday package was returned to Heather’s address and Robert stopped answering his phone, Heather called Joyce Garrard, who told her that Savannah was at her home. Heather says she was allowed to speak to her only once, and Savannah told her they had moved into “Maw-maw’s house.” It was the last time she would be able to talk to her daughter.
What happened during the next two years that Savannah lived in Alabama with her father and stepmother is still something of a mystery to Heather. Robert was working as a civilian contractor overseas; a spokeswoman for the Etowah County Sheriff's office told the AP that Robert “lived outside the country,” leaving Jessica and Joyce to do the majority of the caregiving.
Still, the custody fight continued in Alabama. Robert filed for a petition to modify custody, an action that, if granted, would strip Heather of her parenting rights, reasoning he could “provide a more stable home” for Savannah. Heather answered in court documents that Robert was on “a crusade to keep Savannah away” from her.
She continued: “[Savannah] was doing well in school, enrolled in cheerleading, and was a well-rounded child. Since residing with Robert she is now in counseling and seeing therapists…I am extremely concerned for the welfare of Savannah as I am concerned that there may be things going on in their home that are the cause of the problem.”
Though Heather didn’t know it, she had reason to be concerned. At Joyce Garrard’s trial, Savannah’s pediatrician, Dr. Deborah Smith, cryptically testified that the relationship between Joyce, Savannah, and her stepmother Jessica "was not normal" and said she almost contacted authorities, but in the end didn't.
Meanwhile, Robert and Jessica had been going through a divorce and custody dispute as well.
Records show an environment far from stable. Robert’s divorce complaint charged Savannah’s stepmother with verbal and emotional abuse. He claimed she had a drinking problem and suffered from bipolar disorder that she refused to treat.
Jessica, in turn, filed for a restraining order against Robert in August 2010. In her petition, she said Robert had become physically and mentally abusive. He “pushed her against a wall and threw her on the couch” and threatened her. “Robert has said I will never be allowed to see my son and will do whatever it take to make sure of it,” the complaint says.
The following day, Robert filed an affidavit claiming Jessica was “not financially, mentally, or physically able to provide a safe environment for the child.”
Five months later, Robert and Jessica reconciled and asked a judge to dismiss their case.
Heather didn’t know any of this as she drove back and forth to Alabama half a dozen times between 2010 and 2011 to appear in court in her attempt to win Savannah back. She’d stop by Savannah’s new home but no one was ever there. She’d leave packages for Savannah on the porch but still doesn’t know if she ever received them. The Hardins changed their phone numbers so contact was impossible.
Robert never appeared in court for the custody hearings, Heather says. She says Robert’s lawyer explained his client’s absence by saying her ex-husband was working or training. The repeated motions for continuances were wearing on Heather and at their final court appearance in December 2011, Heather says Robert made new accusations that she was too mentally unstable to take care of Savannah. At every appearance, Heather says the judge would tell her the same thing: “You need to get an attorney.” That’s when she says she broke down in the judge’s chambers.
“I just need to see my daughter,” Heather says she told the judge. “I don’t have money for an attorney and I just need someone to tell me what to do. I’m not crazy, but if I was, it’s because he took my child away from me and hasn’t let me see or talk to her for two years.”
Finally she says—and court documents show—the judge told her, “Look. You need to go get a psychiatric evaluation and when it comes back the way I’m pretty sure it will, I will make up the time you’ve lost with your daughter.”
“We left that day and never made it to the next trial,” Heather says. “I did everything I knew to do, but in the end, everything I knew to do wasn’t enough.”
***
It’s been three years since Savannah’s death. The little girl who loved the color blue and horses should be in the sixth grade. Time hasn’t dulled Heather Walker's loss; the Florida mother has a 9-year-old, a 10-month-old, and two stepchildren with her new husband, who she met the weekend before Savannah’s death. Heather finished her radiology degree in 2011, but can’t bear to step foot in a hospital anymore, so she says she’s in a kind of limbo. She works two jobs in Florida while her husband is training to be an EMT.
Heather sometimes finds herself picking up trinkets at the store that Savannah would love before remembering there’s no way to send them to her. And she doesn’t know how to reply when people ask how many children she has—to say two feels like a betrayal of Savannah, to say three opens herself up to questions that are hard to answer.
And she’s keeping an eye on the trial in Alabama. Heather has been subpoenaed as a potential witness, but says prosecutors haven’t called her yet. She may go to Alabama for the verdict, but says the thought of seeing Joyce and listening to the closing statements where prosecutors will relive Savannah’s final moments may be too much to handle.
“I feel like she’s guilty,” Heather says. “It might not have been her intention, but ultimately it all falls on Joyce. As an adult and a parent and a grandparent, you should know when enough is enough. Even if Savannah really did do what they are saying she did, you don’t punish a child like that.”
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