Friday, March 30, 2012

In Illinois, Merrillville man found guilty of neglect, not murder, in baby’s death | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Lake Superior Court jurors reportedly convicted a Merrillville man of neglect of a dependent in the death of his infant daughter, but acquitted him of a murder charge.
After about eight hours of deliberations, jurors reportedly also deadlocked on battery and aggravated battery charges against Nelson Julian Santiago, who faces from 20 to 50 years at his May 4 sentencing hearing before Judge Diane Ross Boswell.
Prosecutors reportedly argued that Santiago intentionally killed 5-month-old Juliana Klobucar by violently shaking her, while the defense countered with its own expert who raised other scenarios to the state’s shaken baby syndrome.
In his closing argument, deputy prosecutor Michael Woods reportedly said Juliana beat the odds after being born about seven weeks’ premature, but died a violent death at the hands of her father for whom she was named.
Woods reportedly reminded the eight-woman, four-man jury of testimony that Santiago, 21, was disappointed that his then-girlfriend was pregnant with a girl and asked her to give up the child for adoption. Santiago didn’t put his name on the birth certificate and had lived with the child’s mother, Ann Marie Klobucar, their young son and Juliana for about a week before the baby’s suffered a subdural hematoma, brain swelling and retinal hemorrhaging on July 28, 2010.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

In New Jersey, Father charged with assault on 11-week-old daughter in alleged shaken-baby case in Upper Pittsgrove | Shaken Baby Syndrome

An township man was reportedly arrested here Wednesday morning for allegedly injuring his 11-week-year-old baby daughter in early March, according to state police.

Thomas Lillibridge, 19, of the Canook Trailer Park on U.S. Route 40 here, was reportedly charged with third-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, authorities said.

According to police, the baby girl is alleged to have been injured in an incident that took place on or near March 6. 

State police reportedly said they became aware of the case after Lillibridge, the baby’s father, called 911 due to an emergency involving the infant and the baby was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The baby was reportedly first taken to South Jersey Healthcare-Elmer Hospital, but was later transferred to South Jersey Healthcare-Regional Medical Center in Vineland.

She was then later taken to Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., reportedly for further treatment, police said.

The hospital staff, according to police, reported the child suffered from retinal hemorrhaging. The injuries were indicative of non-incidental trauma from shaken baby syndrome, police said.



To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

In West Virginia, Hospital Takes Steps to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Soothing the piercing cries of a newborn baby can seem frustrating and never-ending at times.
This frustration is often taken out on the baby with what medical professionals reportedly refer to as shaken baby syndrome.
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center has reportedly established a new program called "the period of purple crying" to help parents cope with excessive crying, and learn ways to avoid shaking their baby.
"Newborns naturally have larger heads. There's plenty of room there for their brains to grow, but if a baby is shaken, it can actually very easily cause injury to the brain," said Molly McMillion, women's education coordinator at GVMC.
The term "purple" in purple crying is an acronym for the characteristics of normal, but long spells of crying.
Over the last year, reportedly several babies in the Greenbrier Valley have suffered from shaken baby syndrome, causing lifelong disabilities.
"Blindness, deafness, all kinds of brain damage as a result of this," said McMillion.
Cathy Martin reportedly gave birth to her third child this week and is excited about her newest addition to the family, but she remembers how overwhelmed she felt when her first daughter seemed to cry excessively.
"When she would cry I did question myself a lot. Oh my goodness, what is happening? I found different ways of being able to put her down and walk away or call somebody to help me," said Martin.
Through the hospital's new program, each mother will reportedly get a DVD and a booklet to refer to about the period when babies tend to cry more and resist soothing
Hospital staff reportedly wants parents to know most crying is normal and there are different ways to try to soothe your baby.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

In Virginia, Man Arrested for Allegedly Shaking Baby | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Reportedly, Deputies took Michael Anthony Williams, 31, of Concord Virginia into custody Tuesday. They say, like other counties, they see this far too frequently. They have investigated at least four of these cases reportedly concerning Shaken Baby Syndrome in the past 12 months.
Campbell County Sheriff's Office has reportedly charged Williams with aggravated malicious wounding. They say last month he shook his 10-week-old child. They say that infant, is now recovering at a local hospital for some type of head injury. But that is not the first time they have reportedly seen something like this.
"Sometimes we'll see two to three relatively close together. Other times it may be six months and you don't have any," said Major L.T. Guthrie.
There has reportedly been one common trend.
"The majority of offenders I've seen have been male," said Guthrie.
Central Virginia Health District Senior Health Educator Leslie Hoglund says when an infant is shaken, the brain is free to move around, and get banged against the inside of the skull.
"Infants, typically their total body weight, 25 % is the head and they don't have the neck muscles that can control an outside force moving their body around," Hoglund said.
This can reportedly lead to long term problems.
"Cognitive impairment, visual impairment, sometimes blindness. There might be learning disabilities and behavior disorders later on," said Hoglund.
The sheriff's office reportedly says generally a third of shaken baby cases are fatalities.
"Another third of them end up with permanent brain damage and then a third are probably able to recover," said Guthrie.
Hoglund reportedly says one of the biggest problems with shaken baby syndrome is the injuries are not always visible on the outside. So sometimes it can be misdiagnosed or mistreated.
The Central Virginia Health District offers therapy and childhood development services for families with shaken babies.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Monday, March 26, 2012

In California, Merced District Attorney: No charges against father in death of 7-month-old son | Shaken Baby Syndrome

A Merced man reportedly accused of shaking his 7-month-old baby to death last year won't face new criminal charges, Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse II said Tuesday.

Michael Burell, 23, was reportedly arrested in September on suspicion of causing fatal injuries to his son, Jacob. The criminal case was launched after Children's Hospital Central California doctors who examined the child concluded the injuries were severe and could have been the result of shaken baby syndrome.

On the flip side, Burell reportedly claimed his son suffered a head injury when he fell onto a hard plastic toy in the living room of the apartment where he lived. Morse said a pathologist and a pediatrician, who were consulted in the investigation, were unable to rule out the possibility that such a fall, as Burell described, could have resulted in the brain injury that led to Jacob's death.

"In speaking with the doctors in Jacob's case, they are unable to make a conclusive determination of the cause of his death," Morse reportedly said in a statement.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Keane Law Firm YouTube Channel

We have just updated our videos on YouTube and hope you will follow our channel there for all of the up to date news surrounding the Protection of Our Children!

Click Here to Join our YouTube Channel!


Exciting News!

The Keane Law Firm is now part of Google+ and we hope that you too will join us there! You can do so, by simply clicking the link below and adding us to your circles! Connecting with all of our readers is very important to us! Did you know we are also on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube?

We hope to connect with you on all of our Social Media connections!
Have a great weekend!

Click Below to Find Us!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

In Missouri, Missouri House backs stiffer penalties for baby deaths | Shaken Baby Syndrome



People who injure or kill a baby by shaking the child could reportedly face tougher penalties under legislation moving through the Missouri House


The House has endorsed HB 1317, a measure expanding Missouri’s child abuse law to specifically cover causing a baby’s death or injury by shaking.


Sponsor Jeanie Riddle, a Republican from Mokane, reportedly says current law makes it difficult to prosecute people when a child dies from “shaken baby syndrome.”


A person who commits child abuse in Missouri currently faces up to seven years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Under Riddle’s legislation, anyone who commits child abuse on a child under the age of 2 would face five to 15 years in prison.


To Read More on this Story: Click Here


If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

In North Dakota, Shoe Collection for Silent March | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Stop the Shake, an organization reportedly committed ot spreading awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome, is collecting new or gently used shoes for their Silent March, an event to be held in April, to bring awareness to Shaken baby Syndrome and other forms of child abuse. Shoes will be donated to families in need following the event. 


To Read More on this Story: Click Here


If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Monday, March 19, 2012

In Mississippi, Jeffrey Havard convicted of capital murder in baby's death | Shaken Baby Syndrome

The State Supreme Court has reportedly unanimously denied an appeal from death row inmate Jeffrey Havard, moving him one step closer to execution.

Justices last week reportedly rejected the 33-year-old inmate's appeal, writing, "There is no merit to Havard's claim that newly discovered evidence exists that supports his innocence. This issue is procedurally barred by time."

On Feb. 21, 2002, 6-month-old Chloe Britt reportedly died, and prosecutors say Havard reportedly sexually abused and killed her. Havard was convicted of capital murder. He admits accidentally dropping her but denies sexually abusing and killing her.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

In Utah, Medical experts testify in trial | Shaken Baby Syndrome

The trial for a Cedar City man reportedly accused of shaking 14-month-old Cayden Lasseter and causing fatal injuries to the child continued Thursday with testimony from medical experts in Cedar City's 5th District Court.

Thomas Harry Canum III, 25, of Cedar City, was reportedly dating Lasseter's mother, Molly Gricius, during an incident in October 2010 in which Lasseter, who was born to Gricius from a previous marriage, was treated for fatal injuries after being left alone in Canum's care.

Canum reportedly pleaded not guilty to first-degree felony child abuse homicide in March 2011. If found guilty, Canum could face life in prison.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Thursday, March 15, 2012

In California, Justice for Emma: Day-Care Provider Faces Sentence in Baby Shaking Case | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Sophie Crew reportedly dropped off her 13-month-old daughter Emma with a Santee day-care provider one Friday in September 2009.
Hours later, Crew was reportedly being told by doctors at Rady Children’s Hospital to prepare to say goodbye to Emma—being treated for severe brain injuries and placed in a coma.
“She’s a miracle, a complete miracle,” Crew reportedly said Wednesday from her Santee home after describing a harrowing ordeal with a chapter closing Thursday in El Cajon Superior Court.
Patricia Bernal, the reported day-care provider, reportedly faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison after having  pleaded guilty Feb. 15 to one count of felony child abuse, according to Tanya Sierra of the District Attorney’s Office.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

In Louisiana, Magistrate finds probable cause to hold West Bank man accused of killing 3-month-old daughter | Shaken Baby Syndrome

A West Bank man has reportedly been jailed in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, who died six weeks ago from what authorities say was "shaken baby syndrome." Raymond Riego, 39, is in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna in lieu of a $1.5 million bond, reportedly on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile in the death of the child who authorities have identified only by her initials, M.H.



An obituary published Feb. 5 identified the child as Madison Nicole Hughes, who died Jan. 30. 
The incident happened reportedly Jan. 26-27, inside a home in Marrero, a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detective said. Property records show the baby's maternal family resides there, as did Riego, a former Buras resident.
Riego reportedly admitted he shook the baby, but only after the autopsy revealed the infant died from being shaken, Detective Travis Eserman testified Tuesday during a probable cause hearing in the 24th Judicial District Court.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

In Missouri, Carthage man found guilty in death of 8-month-old son | Shaken Baby Syndrome

A Jasper County Circuit Court jury on Wednesday in Joplin reportedly found Eddie Salazar Sr., of Carthage, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 8-month-old son.

The jury reportedly deliberated for four hours before returning the verdict, and Circuit Judge Gayle Crane set sentencing for April 30. Public defender Larry Maples, who represented Salazar, said a new trial would be sought.

When Salazar reportedly first called authorities on Feb. 4, 2010, he reportedly said his child was abducted by two masked intruders, triggering a massive search led by Carthage officers. Carthage police Chief Greg Dagnan and Randee Kaiser, assistant chief, on Wednesday also noted the work that had gone into the case. Dagnan said the search was especially difficult for officers “because we were out looking as hard as we could because we thought we could find the baby alive.”



To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

In Massachusetts, Springfield mom spreading the word on shaken baby syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A 7 month old baby was allegedly shaken and seriously injured reportedly by a teacher at a Springfield daycare.
One year later, reportedly baby Jordan Diaz is not only surviving but thriving.
His mother, Gabriela, has made it her mission to spread the word about shaken baby syndrome (or SBS) and child abuse.
A balloon release was held Saturday at Springfield's Magazine Park at 2:45 p.m.
That's the exact time one year ago that Jordan's mom Gabriela reportedly received the call that Jordan was being rushed to the hospital.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Friday, March 9, 2012

In Missouri, Missouri House Wants to Increase Prison Time for Shaken Baby Cases | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Lawmakers in the Missouri House are reportedly looking at ways to stiffen penalties for those who hurt or kill a baby by shaking them.

The Associated Press reports the House has reportedly endorsed a measure that would expand Missouri's child abuse law.

The bill's sponsor says the current law makes it hard to prosecute people when a child dies from Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The bill would make it a crime to "recklessly cause head injuries" to any child.

Currently, abusers face up to seven years in prison.
This measure would raise prison time up to fifteen years, if the child is younger than two years old.



To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Thursday, March 8, 2012

In Washington, Nanny’s attorney asks for trial delay in baby’s death | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Reportedly, the lawyer for a woman charged in the death of a 1-year-old Richland boy asked to delay the trial seven months while he consults with a “shaken baby” expert.
Scott Johnson told a judge Wednesday that his client, Kelli Anne Jacobsen, deserves a fair trial and that includes allowing him time to investigate the allegations and prepare his defense.
Johnson reportedly said he was able to find an expert in the field of shaken baby syndrome with help from a University of Wisconsin professor, but the man does not have time to review the case until the end of this month or early April. And then, the expert won’t be available to testify until October because of a backlog of other trials, he said.
“Given the complexity of this case, I think it’s justified,” Johnson said of his request for a lengthy delay.
Judge Vic VanderSchoor said he has confidence in Johnson’s efforts to keep the case moving along, but told him to speak with his expert and see if they can work out an earlier date.
The Benton County Superior Court trial tentatively is set for June 4.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/03/01/1847248/nannys-attorney-asks-for-trial.html#storylink=cpy


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

In Georgia, Optimists hear talk from Prevent Child Abuse Coweta | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome and ways to prevent it were reportedly the focus of a talk to the Newnan Optimist Club recently by representatives of Prevent Child Abuse Coweta.
Speaking to the club at Golden Corral restaurant were reportedly Helen Passantino and Joyce Edmondson. They shared literature on ways to calm a crying baby and the danger of shaking an infant. They brought a baby-sized doll that shows the brain area to aid in their presentation.
"Taking care of a baby can sometimes be as overwhelming as it is joyful. When a baby cries inconsolably, it can leave you frustrated, angry and overwhelmed," it is noted in a Prevent Child Abuse Coweta pamphlet.
To Read More on This Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

In Wisconsin, Shaken baby simulators available for community ed | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Last year in Wisconsin, reportedly almost half of children who died or were seriously injured due to abuse were under three-months-old.

The majority of these cases reportedly involved shaken baby syndrome. In the nation, between 1,200 and 1,600 children each year die as a result of shaken baby syndrome.

In an effort to help prevent these incidents, the Pierce County Citizen Review Panel, one of four panels in the state set up to fulfill mandates of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, has reportedly purchased two shaken baby simulator dolls from Realityworks in Eau Claire for use in the community.

The dolls are intended to educate people on the damage done when a baby is shaken. They are weighted like a real infant with heavy heads and little neck support. The heads are transparent and the different centers of the brain are labeled.


To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Monday, March 5, 2012

In Florida, Shaken baby syndrome diagnosis leads to arrest | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Deputies in Charlotte County reportedly arrested Tyler Bryan Rosselot Jr., a 21-year-old man,  after they say an eight-month-old boy was reportedly diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
On February 28, the boy's mother and her boyfriend - Tyler Bryan Rosselot Jr. - took her baby to Peace River Regional Medical Center because the child was unresponsive. 

Doctors there then had the baby flown to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. 

The boy's mother said her son was fine when she left to go to a grocery store and when she came back about 30 minutes later, Rosselot reportedly met her at the doorway and waved her inside.
The mother said she drove the baby to the ER because she thought it would have been faster than waiting for an ambulance.
To Read More on this Story: Click Here
If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Friday, March 2, 2012

In Wisconsin, Kelly Borchardt column: Shaken baby syndrome is tragic but preventable | Shaken Baby Syndrome

In a new report recently released, it can be known that reportedly at least one baby is shaken every week in Wisconsin.

According to the national Shaken Baby Alliance, 25 percent of shaken babies die.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious neurological injury or damage to a child's brain. It is usually accompanied by bleeding behind the eyes and sometimes by other injuries. The damage to the brain is the result of a child's head being whiplashed back and forth by a violent shaking, and sometimes by the head also being forcefully struck against something. Shaken baby syndrome can occur from as little as five seconds of shaking. The majority of the survivors have moderate to severe long-term disabilities.

Wisconsin law reportedly mandates that child-care providers receive training in identification, prevention and the grave effects of shaking babies. In Wisconsin, the Prevent Violence Against Children Act, also known as the Shaken Baby Syndrome Act, was signed into law in March 2006. Families with children who have been seriously injured through shaking brought SBS to the attention of the state legislature by making them aware that shaking babies has serious and often fatal results for infants and children, and with training and community support for caretakers, SBS is completely preventable.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com


Thursday, March 1, 2012

In Connecticut, Man pleads not guilty in baby death case | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Angel Luis Santiago, of West Haven, Connecticut is reportedly charged with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and risk of injury in connection with the death of Kyle Robinson.

The man reportedly accused in the death of a 5-month-old Ansonia boy in June pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon in Milford Superior Court.

Santiago, who has been held in lieu of $1 million bond since his arrest in December, glanced briefly behind him at relatives as he was brought in to the courtroom shortly after 1 p.m. He didn't say a word during his court appearance.


To Read More on this Story: Click Here


If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com