GLADSTONE, Ore. – A 19-year-old Oregon man, Maliki Skutley, has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of his 6-week-old son, Paxton Schuler, according to the Gladstone Police Department.
On April 20, authorities were alerted when Paxton was admitted to Randall Children’s Hospital with a severe brain injury. Investigators initially charged Skutley with first-degree assault. Tragically, the infant died three days later on April 23, leading to additional charges. A grand jury indicted Skutley on two counts of second-degree murder, along with the assault charge.
Court records reveal the assault took place on April 16. The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office stated that Skutley acted with “deliberate cruelty” toward his son while the child’s mother was away at work. The family had been staying at the Budget Inn in Gladstone at the time.
A police investigation determined that Paxton died due to a lack of oxygen to the brain caused by blunt force trauma or extreme pressure. Skutley appeared virtually in Clackamas County court to face the charges.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Gladstone Police Department at 503-557-2797.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family has launched a fundraiser to help cover Paxton’s medical and funeral expenses.
