Maine Father Charged With Murder After 12-Week-Old Dies While Being Watched Alone for First Time as Mom Returned to Work
MAINE — A Maine father is facing a murder charge after his 12-week-old daughter died while in his care — just hours after the baby’s mother returned to work from maternity leave and left the infant with him alone for the first time, authorities said.
Infant Rushed to Hospital After 911 Call
According to the Maine State Police, first responders were called on Jan. 16 for reports of an unresponsive infant. Paramedics were able to revive the baby, identified as Lyla, and she was rushed to the hospital.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the emergency prompted detectives to immediately open an investigation.
Lyla died two days later, on Jan. 18.
Father Was Watching Baby Alone for First Time
The baby’s father, Shawn Samuels, 24, was arrested on Jan. 17, initially on charges of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and bail violations. After Lyla’s death, prosecutors upgraded the case, charging him with murder and domestic violence.
Court records obtained by the Bangor Daily News state that Samuels was caring for Lyla while her mother, Leah Collins, returned to work following maternity leave.
A relative who called 911 reportedly told dispatchers that “the father of this child is alone with the child for the first time,” according to reporting by the Boston Globe.
Father Admitted Bouncing and Swinging Infant
Samuels told investigators he was feeding Lyla when she stopped breathing. He said he burped her, and she began breathing again but remained unresponsive.
When questioned about how he handled the infant, Samuels denied dropping or shaking her. However, he admitted to bouncing Lyla on his knee and swinging her side to side in his arms.
Police asked whether that movement could have injured the baby. Samuels allegedly replied, “Yeah.”
Autopsy Found Severe Injuries
An autopsy later revealed that Lyla had suffered four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and bleeding and swelling in her brain.
While the exact cause of death was not publicly released, the medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide. Investigators were told the brain injuries were consistent with acceleration-deceleration trauma, commonly associated with violent shaking or forceful movement.
Father Held on $250,000 Bond
Samuels is currently being held at the Penobscot County Jail on $250,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 13, court records show.
Family Raising Funds for Funeral
Collins’ family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover Lyla’s funeral and related expenses, describing the loss as devastating and unexpected.
The case has drawn attention to the risks of infant handling and the critical importance of caregiver education during the early weeks of a child’s life.
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