A Missouri man is facing charges related to the death of his infant son, who police say died due to violent trauma inflicted during a “fussy” crying episode.
Adrian Horton, 21, of Parkville, was arrested in connection with the death of his son, Mateo Rideout, whose injuries were consistent with violent head trauma, possibly including shaking, according to police.
The Tragic Incident and Charges
Horton has been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and the death of the child after investigations by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that Mateo died in October 2024 from injuries caused by violent trauma to his head.
The probable cause statement filed by authorities on August 1 detailed the horrific nature of the injuries, which included acceleration and deceleration forces possibly linked to shaking.
Horton’s actions have also drawn attention for a separate alleged crime. Police discovered that Horton had been involved in a sexual assault case from December 2023, when he allegedly attacked an ex-lover outside a mall in Kansas City.
The Events Leading to Mateo’s Death
According to the probable cause statement, Horton’s account of the incident with Mateo changed several times during police interviews. Initially, Horton claimed that he was “patting” his son in a “pretty aggressive manner” because Mateo was crying.
He later told police that after changing the baby’s diaper, Mateo started choking. Horton said he tried performing CPR on the child before calling Mateo’s mother into the room for help. He admitted to using more force than he should have.
Horton’s girlfriend, Mateo’s mother, told investigators that Horton had often been frustrated and annoyed with the child, especially when it came to caring for him.
She said that on the night of the incident, she heard Horton express frustration, saying, “Why you always crying bro?” before hearing loud patting noises coming from the child’s room. Shortly after, she went to the room and found Horton holding Mateo, who was gasping for air.
Horton’s Explanation and Previous Behavior
In his interview with police, Horton told authorities that the baby had become “fussy” while he and his girlfriend were in bed, leading to an alleged incident where he was attempting to remove Mateo’s onesie, which he said caused the infant’s head to jerk backward.
Horton later claimed that while changing Mateo’s diaper, the baby began to urinate on him. In an attempt to soothe the baby, Horton said he began moving Mateo’s arms in a playful manner, but the child spit up.
Horton said he tried patting the baby on the back to help, but after a period of time, the baby stopped breathing, prompting Horton to call for help.
Mateo’s mother told police that although Horton had not been abusive to their son previously, he had recently become more violent.
Rape Case Connection
In addition to the charges related to his son’s death, Horton was also arrested in connection with a rape case. Authorities claim that in December 2023, Horton sexually assaulted an ex-lover in a parked car at the Zona Rosa shopping mall in Kansas City.
The woman reported that Horton attacked her, choking her and refusing to stop when she asked. DNA testing and a sexual assault examination kit tied Horton to the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Horton is currently being held in jail without bond for the death of his son, and he faces a $150,000 bond for the rape charge. His arraignment for the rape charge is set to take place soon. The investigation into his son’s death is ongoing, and Horton’s actions have left both the community and investigators shocked.
