Dad who told poIice that he had not dropped or shaken his 3-month-old, or done anything to hurt the baby besides bouncing her in his Iap, after the chiId died with four broken ribs and bIeeding and sweIIing in the brain, is charged

Maine – A Maine man was taken into custody last week and charged with murder in connection with the death of his 3-month‑old chiId, LyIa, after she was rushed to the hospital the day before and later died. The parent, 24‑year‑old S. SamueIs, also faces earlier charges including domestic vioIence elevated aggravated assauIt and two counts of vioIating baiI conditions. He is being held at the county jail on $250,000 bail, and a judge has barred him from contact with any child under 18 and from possessing dangerous weapons as part of his release conditions. His next scheduled court appearance is set for February 13, 2026.

The investigation process began after Maine State Police received a 911 call reporting that a 3-month‑old infant was unresponsive at the family’s home. First responders arrived at the residence and found the baby in distress. They began administering CPR, and medical personnel were able to revive her briefly before she was transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for further treatment.

Due to the “facts and circumstances” surrounding the call, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit–North was called in to conduct a criminal investigation into what had happened to the chiId. Detectives began examining the situation as a potential child abuse case, given the unresponsive condition of the child, and took steps to determine the cause of her injuries and the events leading up to the emergency call.

Maine authorities have said that the chiId’s mother, L. Collins, had returned to work after maternity leave and the father was caring for their baby alone for the first time that day. Family members told investigators that a relative had contacted dispatchers to report that the father was alone with the child when she was found in distress.

When questioned by police, the father claimed that he was feeding the baby when she suddenly stopped breathing and became unresponsive. He told officers that he tried to burp her, and she started breathing again but remained unresponsive. According to an affidavit obtained by local media, the parent stated that he did not shake, drop, or intentionally hurt the baby. However, he admitted that during the care period he had bounced the childa up and down on his knee and swung her side to side in his arms. When asked whether those actions could have caused her injuries, he responded affirmatively, according to the court records.

Two days after the 911 call, the child died at the hospital. Following her death, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed an autopsy. Preliminary findings from the autopsy revealed that the baby had multiple serious injuries, including four broken ribs, retinaI hemorrhages, and bIeeding and sweIIing in the brain. The chief medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, and described the brain bleeding as consistent with acceleration‑deceleration injuries that would not normally occur in an uninjured infant.

In addition to the murder charge, he was initially taken into custody on charges of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and two counts of violation of bail from previous unrelated matters, according to law enforcement statements. After the child’s death and following the autopsy results, prosecutors formally added the murder charge.

During his first court appearance, a judge set his bail at $250,000 and ordered conditions to restrict his contact with minors and prohibit him from possessing weapons. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors and investigators continue to review evidence as they prepare for further proceedings in the case.