Additional Coverage:
- Missouri baby suffers horror injuries as dad ‘swung her by her legs to toughen her up’ (themirror.com)
A Missouri man faces serious charges after authorities discovered he was shaking his infant daughter multiple times daily in an attempt to “toughen” her up, according to police reports.
Noah Humphus, 23, of Jefferson City, has been accused of child abuse resulting in physical injury and child endangerment. The investigation began when the four-month-old baby was brought to a hospital with alarming injuries that doctors identified as signs of abuse.
The infant sustained bruises on her face and torso, a fractured rib, and a broken femur. Police believe she had been shaken and subjected to rough handling.
During the investigation, the child’s mother revealed that Humphus, who cared for the baby while she was at work, had shaken the child at least twice a day. Court documents refer to the mother as “Witness 2.”
According to police statements, the mother said Humphus justified his actions by claiming it was necessary to “toughen” children and that being rougher with them was normal. Humphus reportedly admitted to shaking the baby between 10 and 20 times and even demonstrated his actions using a doll during questioning.
Humphus was arrested and remains in custody at Cole County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Authorities continue to investigate the case as the community grapples with the disturbing allegations.