WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (KATV) — A 19-year-old man from West Memphis has been arrested after he admitted to repeatedly abusing his five-week-old infant, who later died from the injuries, according to reporting by K8 News.
Lieutenant Mark Harmon of the Newport Police Department stated that the investigation began on August 26, after police were informed that a critically injured infant had been airlifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for emergency care.
During their investigation, detectives identified the baby’s father, Ranterious Alexander, as a suspect. Alexander was interviewed by investigators and admitted to multiple acts of abuse against the child, dating back to the infant’s birth.
Alexander was subsequently arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of first-degree domestic battery.
While the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has been notified of the child’s death, additional charges have not yet been filed as of Monday.
The tragic case remains under investigation, and further legal action is expected pending autopsy results and prosecutorial review.
