29-year-old father arrested in child abuse case
MCKEESPORT (KDKA) — In the early morning hours of Wednesday, first responders were called to Harrison Village for a 5-month-old child who was not breathing.
The 5-month-old was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and the staff found that the infant suffered subdural hemorrhaging, arachnoid hemorrhaging, and cerebral edema, all of which indicate the child was shaken.
Detectives said the infant's father, 29-year-old Michael Barber, was responsible for the injuries.
Police said Barber got mad at his 5-month-old son for crying and when he wouldn't stop, he shook him. Barber is accused of telling a neighbor that the child was hurt after his 1-year-old sibling dropped him.
Officers interviewed Barber, and he allegedly told them that he lied to his neighbor. He allegedly said he was holding the baby boy and tripped. They both fell, with the child's head hitting the floor.
Investigators learned from a doctor that this story didn't add up. According to the doctor, the baby's injuries were consistent with having been shaken. Detectives told this to Barber, who then allegedly admitted to shaking his son.
He is now facing charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person.
Barber is now lodged in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting arraignment.
