3-month-old girl died after her 24-year-old father, who was in charge of her care for the first time, beat her to death during their “playful date;” father charged
Maine – In a deeply disturbing case out of Maine, a 24-year-old father, identified as S. Samuels, is now facing a murder charge following the death of his three-month-old daughter, who authorities say suffered fatal injuries while alone in his care for the very first time. Samuels was arrested after his infant daughter was rushed to the hospital unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Prosecutors allege that Samuels caused the injuries that led to the baby’s death during what was supposed to be his first “playful date” alone with the child. The case took a sharp turn over the weekend when initial charges were elevated after the infant succumbed to her injuries. Samuels was first charged with domestic violence elevated aggravated assault, along with two counts of violation of bail. After the infant died two days later, those charges were upgraded to murder. Authorities confirmed that Samuels has entered a not guilty plea. He remains held on $250,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 13. Court records also show that the father has a prior history of domestic violence, a detail that has intensified scrutiny around the case.
According to investigators, the incident unfolded late Friday morning. Authorities received a 911 call at approximately 11:40 a.m. reporting an unresponsive three-month-old baby. First responders arrived to find the 3-month-old girl blue and not breathing. Emergency crews immediately transported the infant to a hospital, where doctors worked to save her life. Despite those efforts, the baby’s condition continued to worsen. She died on Sunday, two days after the initial emergency call.
A state police press release later confirmed that her death was ruled a homicide resulting from multiple injuries. An autopsy report revealed the full scope of the trauma suffered by the infant. The victim had four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and swelling of the brain. Chief Medical Examiner A. Briones determined that the bleeding in the child’s brain was caused by an acceleration-deceleration injury. According to the report, such an injury would not have occurred in a healthy baby without external force. Investigators say the medical findings were central to the decision to upgrade the charges against Samuels.
As the legal case developed, the victim’s family began to speak publicly about their loss. Her mother, identified as Leah C., described her daughter as a “gift from God, and had returned to Heaven much too soon.” Relatives echoed that grief in messages shared online, painting a picture of a baby who brought joy in her short life. One family member wrote on social media: “The sweetest, smiliest, most beauuuutiful little light. She’s already so missed. We remember her and all the love, joy and giggles she brought to us. Rest in peace, pretty girl. Auntie loves you to the moon.” Another relative added: “We miss and love you so much. You will always be remembered as Leah’s perfect little nugget.” A GoFundMe created to support the victim’s family had raised more than $14,730 as of Tuesday. The fundraiser described a family struggling through what it called a “tremendously dark and difficult time,” as loved ones attempt to cope with an unimaginable loss.
Samuels remains in custody as the case moves forward through the court system. Prosecutors have indicated that the medical evidence will play a key role in upcoming proceedings. The combination of the autopsy findings, the timeline of events, and Samuels being the only adult with the child at the time have formed the backbone of the state’s case. For now, the legal process is still unfolding. While no sentence has been imposed, the murder charge alone carries the possibility of severe penalties if Samuels is convicted. As the community mourns the loss of a baby who lived only twelve weeks, the court will determine responsibility for a death that authorities say was entirely preventable.
