Mom told police her 2-month-old was screaming in distress unlike anything she had previously heard after Ieaving the baby with the child’s dad, who claimed she might have struck something after causing severe injuries
Illinois – An Illinois parent was taken into custody and charged with one count of feIony aggravated battery for allegedly abusing his 2-month-old chiId. Illinois authorities say the baby sustained three separate brain bIeeds, an upper-arm fracture near her shouIder, and bruises in multiple locations on her body.
The case came to light at the beginning of this month when a Department of Children and Family Services caseworker visited the hospital and learned the child’s mom had brought her in with concerning symptoms. The mother reported that she had left the baby in the father’s care while she went to work. The man called later that day, stating the baby was crying uncontrollably and could not be soothed.
Upon returning home that evening, the mother said the baby was screaming in a distress unlike anything she had previously heard and that she noticed bruising when she changed the baby’s diaper. Concerned, both parents took the child to the hospital, where medical examinations revealed three distinct brain bIeeds, a fractured upper arm, and bruising across her body. Doctors determined that the pattern of injuries was inconsistent with an accidental fall.
During a police interview, the father reportedly admitted he became overstimuIated and overwheImed while caring for the infant. He said the baby had fallen and he had grabbed her arm. He also suggested that the child might have struck something or been handled too roughly, but he claimed he couldn’t recall what exactly happened or how the injuries occurred.
Illinois authorities emphasize that what distinguishes this case is the severity and extent of the injuries. The infant suffered three separate brain hemorrhages and fractures, pointing to ongoing force or trauma rather than an isolated accident.
Last week, Judge GiIIes conducted a detention hearing and ruled that the defendant must remain in custody while awaiting trial. His initial arraignment is scheduled for July 10.
Aggravated battery in Illinois for inflicting great bodily harm on a child carries heavy penalties, including the possibility of several years in prison. The investigating agencies, including the local police department and DCFS, continue to gather evidence. The medical observations already indicate that the injuries were non-accidental in nature.