The Perry County baby who was hospitalized after officials say they were dropped and shaken has died, according to newly filed charging documents.
According to online court records, an additional charge of murder has been filed against 37-year-old Eriezer Melendez Jr. in the 3-month-old’s death.
The criminal complaint shows that the Perry County Coroner’s Office told State Police on Sunday let them know that the baby passed away.
Melendez is accused of causing the injuries that led to the infant’s death by dropping and shaking the baby at a home in Oliver Township on Nov. 15, according to State Police.
The baby was in cardiac arrest and taken to the hospital, where Troopers proceeded to question Melendez and the baby’s mother. According to Troopers, Melendez had some “deviations” with his story about what happened to the baby and denied causing any harm.
However, medical records showed differently, and when Melendez was confronted, State Police said he admitted to dropping the baby, causing the child to hit their head after he had fallen asleep when he was taking care of the child.
He then said he gave the baby a shake “one good time” to try and wake up the child, according to the charges.
The girlfriend was given custody of her 3-month-old daughter, who previously lived with her biological father, less than a week before the incident this month.
Harrisburg man admits to dropping, shaking girlfriend’s 3-month-old daughter: police
The 37-year-old man said he fell asleep with the infant on his lap before she fell and hit the floor, according to an affidavit.
