3-month-old boy suffers more than 30 fractures; father faces felony charges
By Kelly O’Brien
Click here for updates on this story
NASHUA, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A Nashua man is facing several felony charges after allegedly beating his 3-month-old son for months.
According to prosecutors, the case began when the infant’s grandmother brought him to Lakes Region General Hospital for cold symptoms. Doctors found more than 30 fractures and bruises on the baby’s body.
Police said the medical team alerted the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families, which then notified Nashua police about the child’s injuries.
The infant’s father, 36-year-old Drew Babcock, was arrested Friday and faces eight counts of first-degree assault (domestic violence).
“He admitted that he did this because he lost control and would not stop crying,” said Prosecutor Melissa Farr.
Court documents state Babcock told investigators he would apply pressure to the baby’s back, ribs and stomach in an attempt to stop the crying, saying the infant was colicky. He also admitted to punching the child in the back and lying on him.
“He stated that he would use approximately 50% of his strength during this time. He admitted that he would conduct these maneuvers on JB about two to three times a week,” Farr said.
The baby remains hospitalized with serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Doctors were also concerned about the child’s weight after he failed to gain any weight since his February appointment.
Authorities said the 3-month-old and his 4-year-old brother are now in the custody of their aunt.
Babcock’s family attended his arraignment Monday.
“I can’t believe it. I can’t see it,” Babcock’s sister said.
Court documents reveal Babcock and his wife were in the process of separating, and that she told investigators she was unaware of any abuse.
Babcock’s defense argued that the child bruises easily because he did not receive a vitamin shot.
“He’s presumed innocent, and I’m going to do everything I can to defend him. That’s all I have,” defense attorney Joseph Fricano said.
Court records show Babcock told his wife he did not realize the pressure he used was breaking the baby’s bones. Fricano said Babcock is remorseful.
A judge ordered Babcock to have no contact with the infant or his 4-year-old son.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 603-589-1665.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.