A Juneau man has been charged with second-degree murder following a lengthy investigation into the death of a 5-week-old baby in April. James White, 44, is accused of causing the infant’s death through blunt-force head trauma, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday.
White, who was married to the baby’s mother, was arrested after police completed a seven-month inquiry into the circumstances of the infant’s death. The charges stem from events at the Super 8 motel where White, his wife, their baby, and three other children aged 2 to 12 were staying at the time.
Baby’s Death Linked to Blunt-Force Trauma
The infant’s autopsy revealed injuries consistent with significant blunt-force trauma, not accidental harm or the actions of another child, according to the complaint. The deputy medical examiner reported that the injuries were likely inflicted when the baby was grabbed by the midsection and slammed onto a hard surface.
Detective Frank Dolan, who spearheaded the investigation, noted in the report that White had initially claimed he fell asleep with the baby and woke to find her not breathing. However, conflicting witness accounts and the severity of the baby’s injuries pointed to deliberate harm.
Witness Accounts Contradict White’s Statements
The criminal complaint includes statements from one of the older children in the household, who told investigators she heard the baby crying before abruptly going silent. She later saw one of her younger siblings carrying the baby’s limp body.
This account contradicted White’s initial claim of falling asleep with the baby, raising further questions about his role in the infant’s death.
The baby’s mother also told detectives that White had exhibited anger issues and had been lashing out in the months leading up to the incident.
Arrest Follows Confrontation and Additional Assault Charges
White was taken into custody on Friday, months after the baby’s mid-April death. According to Detective Dolan, White was confronted last Wednesday about the allegations. During their conversation, White allegedly admitted his actions weren’t premeditated, though he stopped short of taking full responsibility.
At the time of his arrest, White was already in custody on unrelated charges involving an alleged assault against a family member the previous day.
Court Sets Bail and Conditions of Release
White appeared in court on Monday, where a judge set his bail at $250,000 cash. If released, he would be subject to strict conditions, including electronic monitoring, a ban on alcohol consumption, and no contact with the children, his wife, or a man identified as the biological father of one of the children.
White is currently being held at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center.
Ongoing Investigation and Lack of Immediate Comment
Juneau police have not disclosed additional details about the case. Efforts to contact the department for further comment were unsuccessful. Similarly, the public defender representing White was unavailable for comment as of Monday afternoon.
A Tragic Loss and a Community in Shock
The death of the 5-week-old baby has left a shadow over the Juneau community. While the court process is underway, the investigation into the events leading to the baby’s death continues.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward, as the family and the public grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.
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