A 24-year-old father from Illinois, Gabriel King, has been arrested after allegedly causing severe injuries to his newborn daughter, including three brain bleeds, while she was in his care. According to authorities, King stated he was “overstimulated and overwhelmed” when the incident occurred.
The Incident and Investigation
The abuse came to light when a caseworker from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reported the situation to the Bartonville Police Department on June 3. The DCFS caseworker had spoken with the child’s mother earlier that day, who confirmed that the baby was unharmed when she was last with her.
However, when the mother returned home on June 2, after leaving the baby with King while she went to work, she noticed bruising on her baby and a distressed, unusual cry. The mother immediately took the newborn to the hospital.
At the hospital, medical staff discovered that the baby had suffered severe injuries, including three separate brain bleeds, a fractured arm, and multiple bruises. These injuries raised red flags, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s condition.
King’s Statement and Arrest
During questioning, Gabriel King allegedly admitted to becoming “overstimulated and overwhelmed” while caring for his daughter. He reportedly claimed that the baby had fallen and that he might have grabbed her arm too roughly.
King also mentioned that the baby may have hit something, but he was unable to recall many details of the incident. This statement, along with the severity of the injuries, led to his arrest.
Further evidence supporting the child abuse claims came from a doctor who treated the baby, stating that the bruising pattern was not accidental and suggested it was a result of deliberate abuse.
Legal Proceedings
Gabriel King was charged with felony aggravated battery and was detained by police following the investigation. At his detention hearing, Associate Judge Mark Gilles approved a petition to keep King in jail until his trial. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence.
This tragic case highlights the dangers of abuse and the responsibility of caregivers, especially when emotions and stress may affect a person’s actions. The investigation into Gabriel King’s actions is still ongoing, and he will remain in custody until his trial.
As police continue their investigation, the community waits for justice for this vulnerable newborn victim.
