Seven-Week-Old Baby Left With Fractured Skull After Pennsylvania Father Smashed His Head Into Wall, Charges Filed
The father of a seven-week-old baby is facing child abuse charges after the baby was rushed to the hospital with a skull fracture, bleeding in the brain, and facial bruising, CBS Pittsburgh reports.
On June 20, an infant baby named Callen, of Butler Township, was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where doctors say he was in critical condition upon arrival. His 25-year-old father, Tyler Duddy — who has sole custody of the infant – gave investigators inconsistent stories about what happened to his son. One including that Callen sustained injuries to his head due to movements in his bassinet.
Butler Co. man charged with abusing 7-week-old baby: http://t.co/Y20XFIL3P4 pic.twitter.com/k7wVtsP2v4
— KDKA (@CBSPittsburgh) July 15, 2015
He also stated that his son’s mother and her father were caring for him on June 19 and he could have been injured in their care. However, several weeks later, during questioning, Duddy finally admitted the truth, saying that out of frustration and anger, he rammed his infant son’s head into his bedroom wall in the apartment they both shared at Old Plank Estates.
He told police that he initially lied about abusing his son because “he was scared.”
“Mr. Duddy admitted to an incident at the apartment where the child’s head was struck off a wall,” Detective Thomas Vensel stated.
“This is sad what happened to the baby. I’m a father myself, but we have to do what’s right, and that’s why we arrested him.”
This baby is healing after police say his dad,Tyler Duddy, abused him. Baby had bleeding on brain; dad arrested @WPXI pic.twitter.com/ortJgD1B4W
— WPXIJennifer Tomazic (@JenniferTomazic) July 16, 2015
On Tuesday, Duddy was arrested on several child abuse charges.
According to WPXI, doctors believe the child may develop long-term health issues as a result of his head injuries. They will monitor the child’s health over the years as they won’t know for certain until then.
“I can’t be angry or mad. I know that Tyler was frustrated, but that doesn’t mean what he did was right,” Callen’s grandfather stated.
He also told reporters that since the horrifying incident, Callen’s health has improved and he’s gained two pounds. However, he had to be put up for adoption as his mother is unable to care for him. It was reported that she is currently hospitalized for “unspecified reasons.”
Tyler Duddy was charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children. He is currently being held at the Butler County jail with a $75,000 bond.
He has a preliminary hearing on July 23.
[Image courtesy of Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]
