Washington County Father Charged With Homicide In Baby's Death
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
SMITH TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - A Washington County father is facing homicide charges in the death of his baby boy.
Police said Joshua George was the only person taking care of Oliver George when the 6-month-old suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull. A doctor found the injuries consistent with physical abuse, according to the criminal complaint.
George showed no emotion as he walked out of the Washington County Courthouse Friday.
Oliver's aunt Melissa Abbott says his arrest is the first step in getting closure in this case.
"He was just the happiest baby," said Abbott.
Abbott remembers her nephew Oliver as the baby who smiled all the time. While she said his death has been extremely difficult to bear, she's glad to see his father behind bars.
George didn't answer KDKA's questions when he was taken to jail following his arraignment Friday. Abbott said she has questions she'd like to get answers to.
"Just admit you did it. Give us answers, tell us why. Don't make it longer and harder than it has to be," said Abbott.
The baby was staying with his grandparents when they called 911 on Dec. 30. He was flown to Children's Hospital the next day with severe head trauma, police said. He died a few days later.
"Injuries of occipital fracture to the skull. He had a leg injury also. It was the head injury, that is what caused the death as the medical examiner ruled it a homicide," said Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh.
The DA believes the baby was abused at his Smith Township home on Francis Road after his mother left for work and before he was taken to his grandparents' house.
According to the criminal complaint, a family friend told police that George had told him the baby was giving him trouble and he was going to shake him.
Abbot said Oliver's mom is having a rough time.
"It's really hard. She didn't only lose her son, she lost him in such a tragic way. Our whole lives have been ripped apart," said Abbott.
Abbott said George seemed like a good person and never imagined him hurting an innocent child, let alone his own.
"I don't know if he just snapped. I don't know. I really don't and won't ever know," said Abbott.
George is facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide and aggravated assault. He was arraigned Friday and is in jail without bond.
Abbott said Oliver's 7-year-old brother and 3-year-old sister were also home with him when the alleged abuse happened. The district attorney says the other children weren't hurt and were taken away by CYS.
BREAKING: 30-year-old Joshua George of Smith Township, Washington County was just arraigned on several charges including criminal homicide for the death of a six-month-old baby boy at the beginning of January. George had nothing to say when he walked out of the courthouse. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/5Lusl2CP1W
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) February 25, 2022
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