David Allan Becker, Child Abuse, Arkansas Crime.
September 28, 2024
ARKANSAS: A 25-year-old father, David Allan Becker, accused of shaking and throwing his 3-month-old baby, resulting in severe brain and eye injuries.
According to the Craighead County Sheriff's Office, Becker was charged with domestic battery in the second degree resulting in physical injury. The infant's injuries included bilateral hematomas to the brain, severe retinal hemorrhaging behind the eyes, and damage to the spinal cord.
The investigation began on September 23, when the Arkansas State Police received a call from the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock regarding a baby with brain damage. Initially, Becker claimed he was tossing his son in the air and catching him when the boy had a seizure, prompting him to call 911.
However, authorities suspected foul play due to the severity of the injuries. A state police investigator consulted with a doctor, who revealed that the injuries could only be caused by rapid acceleration of the head and violent shaking or slamming.
During further questioning on September 24, Becker's story changed. He admitted to throwing the baby onto the bed after becoming frustrated with the child spitting up. Still, the investigator remained skeptical, explaining that the injuries were inconsistent with Becker's account.
Becker's story changed again, and he confessed to shaking the baby back and forth for around two minutes while fixing a bottle. He acknowledged the baby's head was "whipping back and forth a little."
Becker was arrested and detained in the Craighead County Detention Center. He was released on a $100,000 cash/surety bond on September 25. A no-contact order was issued, prohibiting him from contacting the child.
During a Wednesday hearing, Craighead County District Court Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to maintain the battery charge against Becker. Becker is scheduled to appear in court on November 14.
"Child abuse is a tragic reality that affects far too many families," said a local child advocacy group spokesperson. "We urge anyone suspecting child abuse to report it immediately."
