5-Day-Old Baby's Bruises Caused By Father, Who Blamed Cat For Injuries

The police in Kentucky have charged the father of a newborn with criminal abuse after the 5-day-old baby was found with several bruises.

However, the accused blamed his pet cat of attacking the baby. According to the Gleaner, Seth Justice, 21, of Henderson was taken into custody on charges of first-degree criminal abuse victim under 12, a Class C felony. Detective John Nevels told local media Monday the investigation began a month ago when the baby's parents took her to the doctor.

The baby, who weighed about four pounds, had a cut on her lip, bruising on the face, back and leg, Nevels said. Authorities also said the baby girl had hemorrhaging in both eyes. The hospital informed the police about the incident, following which authorities launched an investigation.

During the check-up, the doctors asked the child's parents about the bruises, to which Justice said a cat knocked a bottle on the baby's face.

"That was his first story," Nevels said, adding that apart from this, the accused had given multiple versions of what happened to the baby. After further investigation, it was revealed Justice was alone with the baby when the injuries occurred. The baby was five days old at the time.

The police arrested Justice on outstanding warrants and the alleged abuse case was sent to the county attorney's office. Charges were issued in connection with the case on Monday. Currently, Justice is at the Henderson County Detention Center. The current condition of the baby was not revealed by reports.

Last month, a teenage father from Racine, Wisconsin, was facing trial in connection to the death of his 1-month-old infant. The 39-day-old child died in February. The child's father, 18-year-old Shavale Powell, was charged with first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of child abuse. Investigation in the case began after a 911 call was made reporting an infant who was not breathing. After investigation, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office ruled the death a homicide, saying the cause of death was head trauma. The police also arrested the child's mother, 18-year-old Javian Clark.