INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (AP) — A Northern Kentucky father has been accused of violently shaking his infant son, causing severe injury including hemorrhaging to the baby’s brain.
Multiple media outlets report that 24-year-old Casey Radcliffe of Independence was charged with first-degree assault Sunday after investigators say Radcliffe violently shook 3-month-old and left his son in his crib for hours even though it was clear the boy was injured. The infant was in critical condition, as of Wednesday.
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said Wednesday that if the infant does not survive, the case could become a murder case rather than first-degree assault. The first-degree assault charge carries a 10- to 20-year sentence.
Authorities say medical staff has told them that if the baby survives, he’ll likely suffer permanent impairment from the injury.