LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) — Richard Leonard, 20, has been charged with child abuse after allegedly causing 14 fractures in his 2-month-old daughter’s body.
According to the arrest affidavit, Leonard and his wife took their baby to a doctor due to bruising. The doctor, concerned about signs of abuse, reported the case to the Department of Family Services. The baby was later found to have 14 fractures, some of which were at different stages of healing, indicating repeated abuse.
Leonard initially told authorities that he accidentally dropped the baby, but later admitted to using excessive force during routine tasks like dressing, swaddling, and diaper changes. He confessed to becoming frustrated with the baby’s crying and his own anger issues, which led to the abuse.
Leonard has been released on a $50,000 bond and is prohibited from contacting the child or the mother. A bond review hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23, and a preliminary hearing will take place on Jan. 13.