Police: Dad abused 7-week-old son, causing serious brain injuries

22-year-old Daniel Walker is now charged with abusing his 7-week-old son.

North Providence Police and Fire were called to his Woodlawn Avenue home last week for an unresponsive infant. Police say Walker told them his son choked on formula, and that’s why he wasn’t breathing.

But doctors at Hasbro Children’s Hospital found injuries that were much more severe, including a bilateral hematoma and signs of hypoxic and systemic injury.

According to police, Walker and the baby’s mother told them the child was fine earlier that day. Then, the mother went to work, and Walker was alone in the apartment at the time the baby stopped breathing.

The baby’s injuries are so severe, he’s now left with retinal damage and very little brain activity.

Walker is being held on $100,000 surety bail.

Doctors at Hasbro are meeting with the child’s mother and authorities to determine the baby’s health and survival rate before Walker’s bail hearing on Thursday.

Walker and the child’s mother moved to Rhode Island only a few months ago.

DCYF says they have not had contact with this family before.

©WLNE-TV 2018