Maine: Baby Lyla found dead after first solo time with father Shawn Samuels
A 12-week-old baby girl who was left alone with her father for the first time died.
Police said the child’s father, 24-year-old Shawn Samuels, was arrested on multiple charges including domestic violence, aggravated assault, bail violation and murder.
According to the statement made by the police in the US state of Maine, an emergency call was received on January 16 that a baby was unresponsive.
The baby, whose name was Lyla Samuels, was taken to a medical center in Bangor after first responders administered CPR, which allowed her to breathe briefly.
Samuels was initially arrested on Jan. 17 for domestic violence escalation to aggravated assault and two counts of violating bail. Lyla died the next day, and police said “the manner of death is being treated as homicide.”
Following an autopsy on January 19, Samuels was charged with murder and remains in custody.
Accordingly Boston GlobeA relative who called 911 told dispatchers that “this was the first time the child’s father had been alone with the child.”
Mr. Samuels pleaded not guilty at a hearing on January 21, where his bail was set at $250,000. His next hearing will be held on February 13.
The autopsy report was examined Bangor Daily News It revealed that Lyla had four broken ribs, a retinal hemorrhage and brain swelling.
Chief Medical Examiner Alice Briones ruled the cerebral hemorrhage was the result of an acceleration-deceleration injury and said it “would not occur in a healthy baby.”
Lyla’s mother, Leah Collins, described her daughter as “a gift from God, returned to Heaven too soon” and said she is “missed beyond words, but will forever remain in our hearts as a precious, perfect daughter.” BDN.
Relatives also took to social media to pay tribute. Elizabeth Collins wrote on Facebook: “The sweetest, smileiest, most beautiful little light. She is already so missed. We remember her and all the love, joy and giggles she brought us. Rest in peace beautiful girl. Auntie loves you to the moon and back.”
Nick Collins added, “Lyla, we miss and love you so much. You will always be remembered as the perfect little piece of Leah.”
A. GoFundMe The campaign set up to support Leah and her family has raised more than $10,000 so far. “This family is loved by so many people,” family friend Jeremy Boutot wrote on the page.
“They would never seek this kind of support on their own, but we refuse to allow them to suffer alone or take on this burden without the support of friends, family and community.”
“We know that amount doesn’t do much in this regard, and honestly it doesn’t. It’s really just a drop in the bucket, but we believe there is still good in this world. We refuse to let the darkness win.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
