Tuscaloosa infant dies of multiple skull fractures at Birmingham hospital; parents charged with murder

Tuscaloosa infant dies of multiple skull fractures at Birmingham hospital; parents charged with murder

An infant boy died today at Children’s of Alabama and his parents are now charged in his death.

Jameela Biggs, 23, and Antonio Martin, 36, are charged with murder, said Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy. Authorities have not released the baby’s name, but he would have turned 3 months old on Saturday.

The investigation began about 7 p.m. Monday when the unresponsive baby was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. The infant was then transferred to the Birmingham hospital where doctors determine he had extensive injuries, including multiple skull fracture.

Kennedy said both parents were interviewed and were unable to provide a plausible explanation for the injuries. They did admit that they were the only adults who had contact with the boy during the time frame the injuries occurred.

A medical expert examined the baby extensively over the next 24 hours, Kennedy said, and reported to investigators that the injuries were consistent with intentional physical abuse. The baby was put on life support.

On May 9, both parents were charged with aggravated child abuse and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Following the baby’s Thursday death, the charges were upgraded to murder. Both remain held in the county lockup.