Friday, October 11, 2013

Dad charged with felony murder in death of 5-month-old daughter (Ypsilanti, Michigan)

Once again, we see the dangers in using volatile, easily "frustrated" young males as caretakers for babies and young children. It does not appear that this father was married to the mother. Whether this arrangement was court-ordered or not, as usual, is not specified.

Dad is identified as DAVONTAH NELSON.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/10/11/teen-father-accused-of-killing-5-month-old-daughter/

Teen Father Accused Of Killing 5-Month-Old Daughter

October 11, 2013 12:52 PM

YPSILANTI TWP. (WWJ) - A 19-year-old has been charged with first degree child abuse and felony murder in the death of his 5-month-old daughter.

Davontah Nelson, of Ypsilanti Township, was arraigned Friday.

Sheriff’s deputies received a call that Nelson’s daughter Amareah was unresponsive at a home in the 2300 block of E. Ellsworth, near S. Hewitt Road, around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

When deputies arrived, medical personnel were already on the scene providing aid to Amareah, who was immediately transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital due to her condition.

Shortly after being treated at the hospital, police say Amareah was pronounced dead due to her injuries, which included a fractured skull, lacerated liver, retinal hemorrhages and fractured ribs.

“After an autopsy, come to find out she had some pretty severe injuries,” said Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Spokesman Derrick Jackson. “Medically, they just show what he did.”

According to investigators, Nelson was the only adult home with Amareah and his other child, an 18-month-old who was uninjured.

Jackson says Nelson told deputies he was frustrated, confessing to investigators. “He did talk about what happened,” Jackson said. “So, he did disclose that he was there, he was upset, and certain things he did to the baby,” Jackson said.

Nelson was ordered held without bond in the Washtenaw County Jail pending his next court appearance.