A Utah couple was arrested on Thursday for the death of their infant daughter that died with injuries consistent with child abuse.
A 4-month-old girl died after she was found unresponsive at her Yineyard home on Wednesday. Her parents, Alexzander Berry, 29, and Myra Megan, 24, claimed they put her down for a nap only to find her stiff and pale about 40 minutes later, according to KSL.
Medical crews reportedly noticed that the infant had a diaper rash that was so severe that she had blisters and skin was falling off her body. Investigators also noted that Berry and Megan’s home was dirty, according to KUTV.
“The house smelled of urine and was filthy. The other children were undressed and dirty,” the affidavit detailed.
A further investigation reportedly uncovered that the infant girl had blunt force trauma around the right side of her head which led to fractures and bleeding around her brain. KUTV reported that they also discovered evidence of prior abuse, including bruises on her forehead, chin, and neck.
During questioning, Megan allegedly admitted to hearing a scream before witnessing Berry swaddling their daughter and violently throwing her into a crib. She also claimed that Berry had anger issues and a history of abusing her and her children, including the deceased baby, according to KSL.
Berry allegedly told police that he was angry at his daughter for crying due to her severe diaper rash. Per an arrest report, the father stated he choked the baby, “aggressively hit her on the top of the head with a closed fist,” and repeatedly slammed her head into the crib.
An autopsy was completed on Thursday. Berry is charged with child abuse, criminal homicide, and aggravated assault. Megan is charged with child abuse for allegedly failing to intervene.
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