3-month-old boy suffered a brain bleed after his father shook him for several minutes out of frustration before throwing the baby onto the bed; father arrested
Arkansas – In a disturbing case in Arkansas, a 25-year-old father, identified as D. Becker, faces serious charges after admitting to physically abusing his 3-month-old son, leading to critical injuries. The incident has shocked the community, especially because Becker was employed as a firefighter and was named firefighter of the year several years ago, in 2019.
Becker, was arrested this week on charges of domestic battery in the second degree resulting in physical injury, according to records from the sheriff’s office. This charge comes after a shocking series of events that left a young infant with severe and life-threatening injuries.
The case came to light when the state police were alerted by the hospital employees about a baby suffering from significant brain damage. Initially, Becker claimed that he was merely playing with his son, tossing him into the air and catching him, when the baby supposedly had a seizure, prompting a 911 call. However, medical professionals at the hospital were skeptical, given the severity of the child’s injuries.
The injuries described in court documents include bilateral hematomas to the brain, severe retinal hemorrhaging, and spinal cord damage. Such traumatic injuries, the doctors suggested, were consistent with violent shaking or a forceful impact rather than a simple play accident.
Upon further questioning, Becker’s account of the events began to change. He later admitted to being frustrated and throwing his son onto the bed with such force that the infant’s head struck the mattress. As the interrogation continued, Becker confessed to shaking the baby violently back and forth while preparing a bottle, an action that could indeed cause the type of injuries observed.
After these admissions, Becker was taken into custody and held at the county’s detention center. He was subsequently released on a $100,000 cash/surety bond. During a hearing, District Court Judge T. Fowler issued a no-contact order to protect the child from further harm. The court found probable cause to uphold the domestic battery charge against him.
The community and local authorities have expressed deep concern over the incident. The case not only underscores the vulnerability of children but also the dire consequences of caregiver frustration that escalates to violence. Becker is scheduled to appear in court again on November 14. If convicted, he could face significant jail time and other legal penalties.
The baby boy remains under medical care, and while he is alive, the full extent of his injuries and long-term prognosis have not been disclosed. Law enforcement and child welfare agencies continue to investigate the case to ensure justice is served and to protect the child’s future well-being.
