Friday, September 28, 2012

In Oregon, Knitters create hats to help babies | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Local knitters got together at a local hospital Thursday for a good cause.
Randall Children's Hospital hosted a community knit-in for the "Click for Babies" purple hat drive.
The hats are part of an education campaign to teach people about shaken baby syndrome.
Experts say frustration over a crying baby can often trigger infant abuse.
Parents need to understand the normal developmental phase that all babies experience from two weeks to four months of age, characterized by long periods of crying lasting up to five hours a day.
In November and December, the newly knitted purple hats will be given to parents of newborns all over the state.
For more information about the campaign, including how you can get a pattern or share a pattern for a newborn's hat, go to clickforbabies.com.
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, September 27, 2012

In Wisconsin, Baby Ali Puts Damage of Shaken Baby Syndrome on Display | Shaken Baby Syndrome


When the crying doesn't stop, frustration takes over for some parents.
Outagamie County reportedly has a new tool to educate parents, babysitters, and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby.
Shaken baby syndrome is a serious problem, says child welfare manager Melissa Blom.
"The most alarming statistics out of that data was that our babies zero to three months are the most vulnerable," Blom says.
The Wisconsin Child Fatality Review System reportedly shows that newborns are physically abused more often than older babies and that head injuries are most common with abuse. The February 2012 report says 49% of abuse victims under the age of three are not yet four months old.
The Outagamie County citizen review panel reportedly purchased Ali to educate caregivers on shaken baby syndrome. Ali is a teaching doll. Her head is transparent, and her brain surrounded with lights so, when you shake her, you can see what part of the brain could be injured.
Public health nurse Karlyn Raddatz reportedly shakes Ali briefly.
"Just in that little bit of shaking, you can tell the back area of her brain lights up," representing damage to the visual part of her brain, Raddatz shows us.
Raddatz says, "Shaking never stops with just one shake, so the parent's even more frustrated -- 'Shut up! Stop crying!' and she stops crying. But visibly you can tell that the frontal lobe has been affected."
Thought process is damaged and, Raddatz says, "The blood vessels are broken behind the eyes."
More shaking lights up the sides of the brain, "which is going to affect the motor skills. Most often a child is paralyzed because of this."
Through Ali and by teaching coping skills, health care professionals hope to end this kind of abuse.


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, September 26, 2012

In South Carolina, Community Rallies Together For A Baby Police Say Almost Died In Fathers Hands | Shaken Baby Syndrome


She’s only 9-months-old, but Cheyenne Rae is already on Facebook.  Her page has more than 74,000 “Likes” by people she doesn’t even know.
“I just felt compelled to follow and help if I could,” said Hope Brooks who donated money to Cheyenne and her family.
“It just tore me apart,” adds Hayley Hudson who also stays up-to-date on Cheyenne’s progress through Facebook.
Last month, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cheyenne’s father James Davis.  Investigators say he admitted to deputies that he shook Cheyenne until she was unresponsive. 
Cheyenne was admitted for a life-threatening brain injury and had to undergo countless surgeries.
But this week, Cheyenne was released from the hospital.
Updates on her progress have been shared online by her family which motivated Hayley Hudson to organize a fundraiser for Cheyenne.
On Friday, Hudson and her friends washed cars to raise money to help cover Cheyenne’s medical bills.
“I just hope to relieve a little bit of the stress," Hudson says.
The incident is also raising awareness of a larger problem known as Shaking Baby Syndrome (SBS).
“It is a forceful shake and at the first level a person can cause a baby to become visually impaired,” said Penny Shaw, coordinator for Safe Kids Spartanburg.
Shaw says SBS is not caused by rocking or bouncing a baby.
“It can actually get worst if the baby's brain is going side to side and front and back.”
Shaw says if a child is violently shaken it can eventually result in death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found inconsolable crying to be the primary cause for an individual to shake a baby.
Health experts recommend first-time parents to enroll in a parenting class to learn what to expect when the baby arrives.
They also say if the caregiver is getting stressed out that it's okay to put the child down in a safe place and relax.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here
To Visit Cheyenne Rae's Website: 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


In Kansas, Thursday is deadline for Clicks for Babies caps | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Thursday, 5 p.m., is the deadline for caps for Click for Babies.
Click for Babies is an advocacy and awareness opportunity. The Kansas Children's Service League partnered with the national Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to promote the campaign.
Purple caps donated to the cause will be given specifically to families in November and December of this year as an added reminder that crying normal and it is not OK to shake or harm an infant.
Last year, KCSL collected over 6,500 handmade purple caps and distributed them statewide to birthing centers and hospitals in an attempt to raise awareness and decrease the number of infants being shaken or harmed due to crying.
The goal this year is 7,500 purple caps.
Donate purple cap creations by contacting Bev Long at the local KCSL office, 340-0408 ext. 1001 or by calling 341-2076 to arrange free pick up.
Bring your creations to the KCSL office at 215 W. 6th, (Emporia Humanitarian Center/former Lowther South Building), room 209. Call first to make sure someone is available to greet you and record your donation. You can also contact the project coordinator, Anne Auld, at the Wichita KCSL office by calling (877) 530-5275 ext. 1322 or emailing her at aauld@kcsl.org.


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


In Pennsylvania, Letter to the Editor | Shaken Baby Syndrome

There is an extremely well written educational piece wrote in the editorial section at a local newspaper in Pennsylvania about the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  Please stop by and check it out and share with your friends and family!

To View the Letter to the Editor: 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


In Ohio, Stow Infant May Be Victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A social worker at Akron Children’s Hospital reportedly contacted Stow Police on Sept. 15 to report a case of “possible shaken baby injuries” to a six-week-old Stow girl.
The infant, whose 25-year-old mother reportedly lives in the 4700 block of Waterford Circle, was at the hospital being treated for “a brain bleed.” The injury occurred sometime Sept. 14 through noon on Sept. 15.
The police report reportedly indicated that charges related to shaken baby injuries could include felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor.
However, police Lt. Anne Stirm reportedly said no charges have been filed to date and that the department cannot release information about possible suspects or the baby's current condition.


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


In Arkansas, Devin Dewayne Hunt of Bryant is charged with capital murder in death of Presley Hunt | Shaken Baby Syndrome

A Bryant man is reportedly arrested and charged with capital murder in the death of his four-month-old daughter.

In a press release issued Tuesday morning. Bryant police reportedly said they began investigating Devin Dewayne Hunt, 23, on June 21st of this year.

They were reportedly called to Arkansas Children's Hospital in reference to the baby who had been transported there from Saline Memorial Hospital. Doctors at Children's Hospital told officers that the injuries the child suffered were consistent with what is called "shaken baby syndrome." The baby, Presley Hunt, was pronounced dead on June 22nd.

After a reportedly in-depth investigation involving multiple interviews and reviewing reports from the medical examiner and doctors who treated the child, Bryant investigators developed enough information to obtain an arrest warrant for Hunt and charged him with capital murder.

According to the reported arrest report from Bryant Police, Devin Hunt spent most of June 21st with his daughter while his wife was at work.

Reportedly, later in the evening, when Presley did not wake up, Hunt, along with his mother, took the baby to Saline Memorial Hospital. Staff transferred her to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Doctors pronounced Presley dead the next day.

"I just think this entire family, both sides are in shock. They've gone through a lot since June, all the way up until yesterday when he was taken into custody. So this is a, this is a whirlwind this family is in right now so I'm sure they're all in shock and all of them are looking for the answers we're looking for as to why? Why did this happen," says Todd Crowson with Bryant Police.

Investigators reportedly wanted all the pieces of evidence together before moving forward with an arrest.

"You just kind of have to go off interviews with what the parents are telling you, what family members are telling you and mainly what the doctors are telling you. They're the experts they've seen these kinds of injuries before they know what they're looking for...that's why we were waiting to get back the medical examiners report from the autopsy. All that does is confirm everything that we already know and what they know," says Crowson.

Hunt is reportedly being held without bond at the Saline County jail and according to authorities had no prior record.

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, September 19, 2012

In Florida, Man sentenced to 10 years in shaken-baby death | Shaken Baby Syndrome


An Orange County man was reportedly sentenced to a decade in prison after pleading no contest this afternoon to aggravated manslaughter of a child in the death of his girlfriend's 6-month-old daughter.
Lonnie Leonard Jr., 23, was reportedly charged last year in the Nov. 20, 2010, death of Malloree Tatum.
Leonard reportedly told investigators the baby fell off a bed. But doctors and a medical examiner said it was impossible the trauma the child suffered was caused by a fall from that height, and her injuries were more consistent with shaken-baby syndrome.
Leonard's plea bargain reportedly allowed a sentence up to 20 years in prison, but Circuit Judge Janet Thorpe sentenced him to 10.
Thorpe reportedly noted that the state agreed to 10 years as a minimum for the plea, and that family members who testified at a recent hearing — including Malloree's mother — testified that Leonard wouldn't have hurt the girl on purpose, and asked for leniency.


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, September 18, 2012

In Idaho, Man arrested after his son displays signs of shaken baby syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Idaho Falls Police have reportedly arrested 30-year-old Frederick Russell Kern on two counts of aggravated battery after his two-month-old son sustained injuries consistent with “shaken baby” syndrome.
Kern of Idaho Falls was reportedly arrested on Thursday after a warrant was issued following an investigation.
According to reports, the child was reportedly brought into Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center Sunday evening around 6:15 p.m. The baby was flown to Primary Children’s Care in Salt Lake City that same night. The child was in the care of Kern at the time.
There is no information on the condition of the child.

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, September 17, 2012

In Colorado, Family works to spread message: Never shake a baby | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Jasmine looks at her mom and flashes a huge smile.
"That always makes me happy," said Jennifer Schutz. 
Schutz reportedly chooses to focus on what her two-year-old daughter can do rather than on her limitations. There are a lot, but there should not have been any.
"It would be so hard to always think of what should be," she said. "We have to look at the little progress that she is making or our hearts will break every day."
"It is amazing that she can do anything," Susan Burke, Jasmine's grandmother, said. "The doctors said she'd do nothing and be on a feeding tube."
Jasmine is reportedly a victim of shaken baby syndrome. A moment of terrible abuse took a perfectly healthy infant and erased so much potential for her life ahead.
"When she was injured, the doctors told us she probably would not survive the week," Schutz said. 
Jasmine's father, Rocky Lee Ankney, is in jail convicted of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. Prosecutors say he injured Jasmine when she was eight weeks old.
Schutz was at work as a geriatric nurse when it happened. 
Denver police reportedly say Ankney did not call 911, but he called his wife claiming he dropped the baby as he got her out of the bathtub.
Detectives and doctors reportedly say Jasmine's injuries could not have been caused by a simple fall. Her ribs were broken. Her brain was bruised and there was bleeding on both sides of her head. She lost her vision too.
"You wouldn't think your husband would do it," Schutz said. "He quit his job to stay home with her. Nothing about it makes any sense."
Shaken baby syndrome is the leading cause of trauma death in children under two years old in Colorado. When Schutz started learning more about it, she made a promise to Jasmine to be part of the solution. In the last 2 years since the devastating injury, they have. They are now advocates against any kind of child abuse.
Jasmine can make some small noises and laugh. But, she cannot speak. Her mom and her grandma are her voice.
"It is so preventable that there is no reason it should even be an issue," Burke said. "And as big of an issue as it is, we want it to end." 
Burke says that is the family's mission now.


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, September 14, 2012

In Texas, Swaddling babies effective aid against Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


Jennifer Franklin of the Comal County Child Welfare Board reportedly teaches young moms at St. Jude’s Ranch in New Braunfels how to safely and effectively quiet a fussy baby.
Franklin, who is a nurse and a mother too, reportedly teaches from experience and the training from Dr. Harvey Karp’s program of “The Happiest Baby on the Block.”

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, September 13, 2012

In Mississippi, Two Okolona students take first in national competition Read more: chickasaw360.com - Two Okolona High School students place first in national competition | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Tyson Eddie and Tracey Young, both sophomores at OHS, participated in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national competition in Orlando this summer and won first place in the Illustrated Talk category.

The students performed a skit on the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome with an information board containing statistics, symptoms and photos. They also had a specially ordered baby model with a transparent head to show the effects of SBS.

Eddie and Young are students in Family and Consumer Science at the Okolona Vocational Center and members of FCCLA. Club sponsor, Trena Smith, said the students worked diligently on their project and performed well at both the state and national competition.

"They researched information and developed a short dramatization and speech about Shaken Baby Syndrome," Smith said. "After that, they answered questions from a panel of three judges. Note cards were allowed, but they never used them at either competition."



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, September 12, 2012

In Kansas, Parkside people organize to stop shaken baby syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome


In an effort to spread awareness about normal infant crying, some Marion County residents are participating in a nationwide campaign by knitting or crocheting purple baby caps that will be distributed to parents of newborns.
“Click for Babies: Period of Purple Crying Caps,” is a grassroots effort to remind parents about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome, a form of child abuse affecting infants younger than 1 year old, according to Anne Auld, Kansas Children’s Service League, Wichita.
Penni Funk, Parkside Homes life enrichment coordinator, and Betty Norman, a Parkside resident, organized the effort.
Norman said she cannot knit or crochet, but she thought she could be helpful by talking about her experiences. Her granddaughter, Kali Hamilton, works at the KCSL and told her about the purple-cap project.
When the campaign started in 2011, Norman said the KCSL was asking for 3,000 caps and got more than 6,000 for every hospital in Kansas that has a delivery room. With each cap, the new mother receives a DVD about infant care.

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


In North Carolina, Blood Drive To Help Shaken Infant, Family | Shaken Baby Syndrome


*Excerpt derived here.
A Blood Drive in Easley this month aims at helping a Spartanburg infant with Shaken Baby Syndrome and her mother.
Last month, just a few days before she was 9 months old, Cheyenne Rae's father shook her, causing swelling and bleeding on the infants brain. Her father, James Davis, is currently in custody, charged with child abuse causing great injury.
Cheyenne is fighting for her life at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The baby has endured numerous surgeries in the weeks since she was shaken.
Tonya Johnson organized the blood drive, which will be held 9am – 5pm at the Blood Connection in Easley.
“I have a nine month old,” Johnson said. “This really hits home for me.”
Johnson said blood donations are crucial, as donations are at a 15-year low.
“This is a great opportunity for people to step up and give blood,” she said.
Johnson said other donations for the family will be accepted during the blood drive.
“We're not taking direct cash donations, but we will accept checks or money orders made out to Cheyenne's mom, Amy Owensby,” Johnson said. “We're also making a care basket for Amy.”
Items for the care basket will be greatly appreciated. You can donate items for Cheyennne and her mom.
“Any clothes for 9-12 month-olds, gossip magazines, gift cards to grocery stores, restaurants, Walmart to buy Cheyenne stuff that she may need when she comes home,” Johnson said, listing examples of items for the care basket.
The Easley blood and donation drive gives people who have been following the story in the news a chance to help without having to drive to Spartanburg, where other fundraisers are being held, Johnson said.
"I'm hoping for a good turnout," she said.
Follow Cheyenne's progress at prayersforcheyenne.com or facebook.com/prayersforcheyenne.
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

In Nevada, Man gets prison term in baby's killing | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A 26-year-old Henderson man was reportedly sentenced Tuesday to 14 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend's 16-month-old daughter.
Cody Geddings in January was reportedly convicted of second-degree murder and child neglect for the April 2010 slaying of Addison Weast.
Geddings reportedly apologized for his actions before he was sentenced by District Judge Doug Herndon.
"I'd like to apologize to Addison's family for their loss. No matter how many times I apologize for this it won't change what happened," Geddings said.
The girl's mother, Jaime Higgons, tearfully reportedly asked Herndon for the maximum sentence of 18 years to life in prison.
"She was everything to me. I am never going to be a complete person," she said, adding that the pain she felt was never going to go away.
Geddings reportedly initially said Addison fell from her crib, causing the fatal injuries. He later changed his story and said the girl was playing around his welding equipment, which included a 145-pound tank sitting on an unstable chair.
Geddings reportedly told authorities the tank fell on the girl, causing head injuries.
Instead of calling 911, Geddings reportedly called Higgons who had to travel across the valley to reach her 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




Friday, September 7, 2012

In Florida, Man arrested after girl suffers severe head trauma | Shaken Baby Syndrome

An Orange County man reportedly faces aggravated child abuse charges after a girl in his care was rushed into surgery with what doctors and detectives are calling a case of shaken baby syndrome.


Michael DeLeon, 23, is reportedly already on probation in a child abuse case, but he now faces new charges. DeLeon claimed a child at his West Colonial Drive home fell from a bunk bed last week, but investigators believe something more sinister is to blame for the child’s severe head trauma.
As doctors reportedly rushed the victim into surgery at Arnold Palmer Hospital on Aug. 24, a Department of Children and Families case worker reported the child’s injuries to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy spoke with witnesses from the home who described a frightful scene.
According to the deputy’s initial incident report, the girl’s mother reportedly said she heard a “strange noise” while her daughter played alone in her bedroom. She said she then found her lying on the floor, vomiting. The girl’s mother said she fell from a bunk bed ladder.
In a later interview with detectives, the woman reportedly admitted that the child cried out for her on the day of the incident and that when she entered the bedroom, 250-pound DeLeon was holding the injured child in his arms.
DeLeon reportedly denied being in the child’s room when she was injured and reiterated that the child fell from a bunk bed ladder. On Wednesday, when deputies told him that the girl’s severe injuries were not consistent with a fall, according to doctors, he asked to leave, the report 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


Thursday, September 6, 2012

In Massachusetts, Mass. man held on high bail in injured baby case | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A 22-year-old North Attleborough man has reportedly been held on $100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to injuring his friend's 1-month daughter he was babysitting.

Authorities say Matthew Johnson reportedly caused injuries to the baby earlier this month including a brain injury, bruises and six rib fractures. A doctor told police the injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

Johnson told investigators he reportedly tripped over a child's toy and accidentally dropped the child, causing the injuries.

Johnson's girlfriend, Eden Beauregard, was also reportedly helping care for the child and is facing a charge of permitting substantial injuries to a child and reckless endangerment of a child.

The baby reportedly remains hospitalized.


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, September 5, 2012

In Utah, Draper man charged in baby son's death | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A Draper man has reportedly been charged with murder in the death of his 1-month-old son.
Mijail Alejandro Russell-Torres also was reportedly charged Friday in 3rd District Court with two counts of second-degree felony child abuse.
Police say they responded Aug. 24 to reports that a 1-month-old baby had reportedly drowned while being bathed by the father.
Emergency crews reportedly found the baby in cardiac and respiratory arrest, and took the child to Primary Children's Medical Center in critical condition.
Investigators reportedly say the baby had injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
The child died Aug. 26.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the 24-year-old Russell-Torres admitted to police that he violently shook the baby back and forth for a minute or two after he became frustrated with the toddler's crying.

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, September 4, 2012

In Utah, Draper father arrested in shaking death of 1-month-old son | Shaken Baby Syndrome


A father who initially reportedly told police Friday his baby nearly drowned in a bathtub was arrested after the boy died on Sunday.
Mijail Alejandro Russell-Torres, 24, was reportedly booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated murder for allegedly shaking the boy violently.
Russell-Torres called 911 Friday afternoon, claiming his 1-month-old son had drowned while he was bathing him in his Draper home near 13000 S. Pinnacle Way. "He was calm when he told me the story and showed no emotion," a responding officer wrote in a jail report.
The baby was reportedly not breathing when he was transported by medical helicopter to Primary Children's Medical Center.
During an investigation, doctors at the hospital told Draper police that the baby was showing signs of shaken-baby syndrome, including a head injury, the report states. Doctors said the baby showed no signs of drowning.
When reportedly asked about the doctors' findings, Russell-Torres admitted holding the baby and violently shaking him forward and backward, according to the report. He allegedly told police he realized he hurt the baby after it started showing other signs of illness, which is when he gave the baby a bath. It wasn't until the baby turned cold and stopped breathing that Russell-Torres called 911, the report states.
Shaken-baby syndrome is a term used to describe the trauma experienced by an infant after being severely shaken. There is rarely any visible injuries, but spinal-cord injuries, permanent brain damage and death are often the result of the crying-induced child abuse.
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