MELBOURNE, Fla. – A 25-year-old man was arrested in Melbourne after his 6-week-old son died from a severe brain injury, according to police.
Edrick Lamar Davis faces charges of first-degree felony murder of a child and aggravated child abuse.
According to Melbourne police, officers responded to a home on Mount Carmel Lane on June 10 around 11 a.m. for reports of the child not breathing. After attempting CPR, paramedics took the baby to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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The Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office later deemed the case a homicide after an autopsy revealed a severe brain injury that caused the child’s death. During an interview, Davis initially denied any knowledge of how the injury occurred but ultimately admitted to hitting the baby, according to investigators.
In an arrest affidavit, police said Davis admitted that while the baby’s mother was in the shower, he kneed the baby in the back of the head at least twice because the baby was fussy and crying which made him “stressed.”
Police arrested Davis Wednesday without incident. He was booked into the Brevard County jail without bond.
Friday, Judge Michelle Baker kept Davis in jail without bond.
“Alright, Mr. Davis, you understand the charges against you,” Judge Baker asked the defendant.
“Yes, your honor,” Davis answered.
The father will return to court next month.
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