Teen father charged with abuse, accused of shaking his baby who was found unresponsive, sheriff says

Published 9:29 am Friday, March 8, 2024

An Alabama 19-year-old father has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse, a local sheriff’s office says, after his baby was rushed to a hospital unresponsive.

Investigators believe the teen shook the baby, who is now recovering from injuries.

The case began on February 8 when Walker County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call regarding a non-responsive baby at a residence on Kings Mill Road in Oakman.

The baby was transported by emergency personnel to Walker Baptist Medical Center and then flown to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

After examination, the attending doctor made a determination that the baby had suffered injuries as a result of being shaken.

Investigators then responded and began an intensive investigation into the case. In the following days, interviews were conducted and collection of evidence was completed.

After numerous investigative steps and meetings with the District Attorney’s office, a warrant was issued for 19-year-old Kade Wood, the father of the child.

Wood was arrested on March 6 for Aggravated Child Abuse and is currently in the Walker County jail awaiting a bond hearing. The child is currently recovering from injuries.