NEWPORT, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) — A heartbreaking case of child abuse has led to the arrest of Ranterious Alexander, a West Memphis man who admitted to repeatedly abusing his 5-week-old infant, who later died from the injuries.
According to Lt. Mark Harmon of the Newport Police Department, authorities launched an investigation on August 26 after learning that the baby had been airlifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for emergency care due to severe injuries.
During the investigation, Alexander—identified as the baby’s father—confessed to multiple incidents of abuse dating back to the infant’s birth.
He was arrested and initially charged with first-degree domestic battery, and booked into the Jackson County Jail.
Tragically, the infant succumbed to its injuries on August 30, just days after Alexander’s arrest. Officials described the injuries as irreversible and directly caused by the abuse.
The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has been notified of the child’s death, and additional or upgraded charges are expected as the investigation continues.
