New Castle Police Charge Father In Connection With Infant's Death
NEW CASTLE (KDKA) -- Police in Lawrence County say they have arrested a New Castle man in connection with the death of his infant son.
New Castle Police say 21-year-old Terrance Murphy was taken into custody on Friday for a warrant on an unrelated charge after he was found at the Castle Arms Apartments on North Mercer Street.
Officials say he was wanted previously on a warrant for simple assault and other offenses.
Authorities say they were first called around noon on Friday for an infant that was not breathing and was being taken from the apartment complex to Jameson Hospital, where the child died.
According to investigators, an autopsy determined Terrance Murphy, Jr. died from blunt force trauma to the head. According to the medical examiner, the 6-week-old boy suffered two large skull fractures.
Police say when they arrived at the apartment complex to investigate, officers found Murphy "hiding inside of the residence in a closet." Neighbors say he and his girlfriend were staying in an apartment with a couple who lived in the building.
He was taken into custody and transported to the New Castle Police Department for questioning and later arrested in connection with the child's death.
People who live at the Castle Arms Apartments say they are angry, but not surprised.
"I'm sick at heart," said Mary Ellen Jessel, a resident at Castle Arms. "People want children; why did he do it? Put him behind bars and keep him there. That's where he belongs."
"I definitely know he needs to be put away for good," added another resident who did not want to be identified. "How can you do that to a 1-month-old baby?"
Murphy is now facing charges of criminal homicide and aggravated assault. He remains locked up in the Lawrence County Jail.
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