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Sarah Rediker and Jasper Shick face allegations of child abuse after reportedly breaking the leg of a 6-month-old baby while changing its diaper, according to the local sheriff’s office.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Authorities in Fernandina Beach arrested a couple Monday night on charges of child abuse. The arrest followed the discovery of a baby with a fractured femur under their care, as stated in a Nassau County Sheriff’s Office report.
The infant was taken to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville when the grandmother noticed severe swelling and redness on the baby’s left leg. Medical staff, suspecting child abuse, notified the sheriff’s office and the Department of Children and Families.
The femur, known as the body’s strongest bone, rarely breaks in infants without trauma. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons identifies child abuse as the leading cause of such injuries in babies under six months old.
The partially redacted report indicates investigators found that the injury occurred while the suspects were changing the baby’s diaper around 7 p.m. on Monday. The baby started crying due to teething, and Shick allegedly squeezed the baby’s leg tightly enough to cause injury. Despite realizing the harm done, the suspects delayed seeking medical help for about three hours, waiting until the grandmother returned home.
Further investigation by the sheriff’s office revealed that prior to the incident, the father had consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana.
The baby’s grandmother allowed detectives into the home where the child and suspects lived, according to the report, where several potential hazards were documented.
The baby’s crib was observed in a closet with little air flow, and detectives reported finding several empty bottles of alcohol strewn throughout the bedroom, as well as small torches, bongs and marijuana “within arm’s reach” of the baby.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this kind of abuse inflicted on a defenseless baby,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “Protecting children, especially at this most vulnerable age, is my top priority.”
Shick, who was out on bond for an alleged DUI offense in October, had his bond revoked Tuesday due to the new charges.
He faces three felony charges, including for aggravated child abuse and making false statements to investigators. His total bond was set at more than $125,000.
Rediker is being held in the jail for two felony charges, according to county jail records.
