A tragic incident took place in Jane Lew, West Virginia, when a 27-year-old man, Zachary Williams, allegedly threw his infant son against a bed frame and the floor out of frustration. The baby immediately became limp and stopped breathing. Despite efforts to save him, the boy died about an hour later at the hospital. Williams now faces serious charges of murder and child abuse causing death.
What Happened That Morning?
The incident happened on the morning of May 25, around 9 a.m., in a home shared by the baby’s mother, father, and grandparents. The grandparents told the police the baby was healthy except for a common cold when they left for work at 8 a.m. After that, the baby was with his mother and Williams.
The mother said the baby was fussier than usual because of his cold and was refusing to nap. She woke Williams for help as she started feeling frustrated. A short time later, Williams called her back, and she found their son limp and barely breathing. She had Williams call 911, and the dispatcher told her to place the baby on his side. Sadly, the child stopped breathing entirely after that. She tried CPR until paramedics arrived.
Investigation and Confession
Williams told the police that when he took care of the baby, he was trying to calm him by rocking him. Suddenly, the baby became stiff, then limp, and stopped responding. The police didn’t see major injuries on the baby at first, but the autopsy later showed a severe skull fracture at the back of the head caused by trauma.
In a recorded interview, Williams admitted that he had thrown the baby out of frustration, which made the child hit his head on the bed frame and floor. He took full responsibility for what happened.
Current Status
Williams was arrested and is now held at Central Regional Jail without the possibility of bond. It is not yet known if he has a lawyer.
This heartbreaking case highlights the dangers of losing control when caring for young children. Infant abuse can have deadly consequences, and it is important for caregivers to seek help if they feel overwhelmed. The investigation continues, and justice will be pursued for the little boy who lost his life. This sad story serves as a reminder to always handle children with care and patience.
