Lakewood has recorded its first homicide of the year after a 21-year-old father was arrested in connection with the death of his infant, who was brought to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital on March 4 with injuries detectives said were “not initially explainable.” Pierce County investigators allege the child’s father caused those injuries, and the case has now been logged as the city’s first homicide of 2025.
Investigation Underway
According to The News Tribune, officers were called to Mary Bridge on March 5 after hospital staff reported concerns about the infant, who had arrived the previous day. Detectives say they developed probable cause during the initial investigation and booked the Lakewood man into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of homicide by abuse. Prosecutors have requested a 72-hour hold while they prepare formal charging documents.
What The Charge Means
Under Washington law, homicide by abuse is a class A felony that applies when a person causes the death of a child under circumstances that show an extreme indifference to human life. The charge is defined in RCW 9A.32.055, which outlines the state’s penalties for such convictions.
Next Steps In The Case
Sgt. Charles Porche of the Lakewood Police Department told reporters the infant’s injuries were "not initially explainable," and said detectives are still gathering evidence while prosecutors review the case. The man remains held at the Pierce County Jail, and if formal charges are filed the case will move into the Pierce County court system for arraignment followed by pretrial proceedings, according to local reporting.
Reporting Note
This story is based on reporting by The News Tribune and a review of public statutes and records. At the time of publication there were no additional official press releases or court filings available; this account will be updated if prosecutors file charges or officials release new information.
