Florida man charged with felony murder after reportedly hitting his fussy baby
A Florida father was arrested and charged with first degree felony murder after he admitted to slamming and hitting his six-week-old baby because of the infant’s fussing and crying.
According to a report from Fox 35 in Orlando, Florida the father, Edrick Lamar Davis was also arrested for aggravated child abuse after he admitted to causing his baby’s death.
Reports are that on June 10 around 11:00 am, police found the infant not breathing at a home in Melbourne, Florida. The baby was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead.
According to arrest records, Davis told detectives, during an initial interview, that he fed the baby, and went to take a shower. However, when he returned he found the baby unresponsive.
An autopsy of the infant’s body was done, Fox 35 Orlando said. It revealed that the baby had internal injuries caused by blunt force trauma, multiple haemorrhages, fractures and other signs of severe trauma.
The injuries were believed to be intentional and done in a forceful manner just before the infant’s death, police said. The law officials added that older rib fractures were also discovered on the baby, indicating physical abuse.
The Orlando-based news outlet said that during a second interview, Davis reportedly told detectives that he “accidentally” hit the baby’s head on a door frame and then forcefully hit the back of the infant’s head with his knee to prevent the baby from falling out of his arms.
On June 19, a third interview was conducted, and Davis reportedly told detectives that he forcefully hit the baby’s head with his knee at least two times. He admitted that the baby was fussy and crying, which caused him to become stressed and slam the infant down on his left knee.
He allegedly further admitted that his action caused the baby’s death, Fox 35 said.
Davis was arrested and booked on no bond.