According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Newcastle Police Department requested the bureau’s help on April 11, 2024, regarding a child abuse investigation.
The day before, officers responded to a home in Newcastle after receiving a call about an unresponsive 9-month-old baby. The child was quickly taken to a nearby hospital.
Two days later, on April 12, the child passed away. OSBI agents spoke with the child’s father, 25-year-old Hunter Smiley, who was there when officers responded.
The OSBI says the information gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of Smiley on April 15 on a First-Degree Murder charge.
Officials say the baby was taken to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner where the cause and manner of death will be determined.