Teen Babysitter Charged in Baby's Death

A Tragic Incident in Milwaukee

A 7-month-old boy from Milwaukee passed away earlier this month, and the babysitter who was responsible for his care has been charged with reckless homicide. The case has sparked widespread concern and attention from local authorities and the community.

Court Proceedings

According to court records, 17-year-old Hersen Patrick has been charged as an adult with one count of first-degree reckless homicide. An arrest warrant was issued on Monday, marking a significant step in the legal process surrounding the tragic event.

Details of the Baby’s Death

The incident began when the baby's mother called 911 on July 10 after discovering her son unresponsive and not breathing. At the time, Patrick was babysitting the child. During the call, he claimed the baby had slept all day. Prosecutors stated that Patrick informed the dispatcher that the baby’s heart was beating but he wasn’t breathing. The dispatcher guided him through CPR until emergency responders arrived.

When the Milwaukee Fire Department reached the scene near 41st and Concordia, they found the baby’s body limp and without a pulse. He was taken to Children’s Wisconsin, where six rounds of epinephrine were administered to restore a pulse. Upon arrival, medical professionals noted linear abrasions on the baby’s neck, as well as red, linear indentations under the chin at the top of the neck and above the collarbone.

Two separate brain death examinations were conducted, and the baby was declared dead on July 14 due to no blood flow to the brain. An autopsy revealed "numerous internal injuries" consistent with blunt force trauma.

Background and Circumstances

The criminal complaint indicated that the baby’s mother had asked Patrick to babysit her two children, the 7-month-old and a 19-month-old, while she went to work. When she returned home, she found Patrick lying on an air mattress with the 7-month-old in a bedroom, acting as if he had just woken up. She discovered the baby not breathing.

Prosecutors noted that during the ambulance ride to Children’s Wisconsin, the mother observed two marks on her son’s neck that were not present before she left the baby with Patrick. She also mentioned that the baby was in his usual state of health when she left for work.

It is important to note that Patrick is not related to the victim, according to the criminal complaint.

Medical Findings and Expert Opinions

A board-certified child abuse pediatrician conducted a clinical consultation on the 7-month-old and concluded that the baby was a victim of physical abuse, suffering from abusive head trauma. Court filings highlighted brain hemorrhages that were "too numerous to count," along with other injuries.

The complaint noted that the most common cause of such injuries occurs when a child is "slammed, shaken, and/or thrown." Although it was not possible to precisely date the brain injuries, their severity suggested that the patient would have been immediately symptomatic.

Conclusion

This tragic case has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children in childcare settings. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death, and the legal proceedings against Patrick are ongoing. The community remains deeply affected by this loss, and there is a growing call for increased awareness and education regarding child safety.