Man Accused Of Fatally Shaking Two Infants

A man accused of fatally shaking two infants has reportedly admitted that he was drinking at the time. Travis Fox, age 24, of Springdale, Arkansas has been charged in the deaths his two infant children.

Fox’s seven-month-old son died at the Northwest Medical Center on Wednesday. Doctors contacted authorities as the infant’s injuries indicated that he had been violently shaken.

When questioned by Springdale police officers, Fox eventually admitted that he had shaken his baby in frustration. As reported by the Huffington Post, officials report that Fox shook the infant “for an extended period of time” because he was crying. Officers report that Fox admitted drinking approximately five beers before he injured his son.

This is not the first time Fox has been accused of harming one of his children. He is now being accused of fatally shaking two infants to death. As officers investigated the death of his seven-month-old son, they discovered that he was under investigation for fatally shaking his six-month-old son two years ago.

The Washington County sheriff’s department handled the investigation into the death of his six-month-old son. Officers report that in 2011 Fox admitted fatally shaking his infant son out of frustration. Fox also reportedly admitted that he had been drinking when he fatally shook his first son.

Shaken baby syndrome, which is considered an abusive head trauma, can cause death in infants. Many parents and caregivers who shake infants do so out of frustration. As discussed at KidsHealth.org, awareness can help prevent shaking injuries or death.

Parents who become frustrated are urged to seek help. It is not unusual for babies to cry for extended periods of time, which can be incredibly frustrating. If parents are able to confirm that a baby is not in pain, hungry, or in need of a diaper change, they are encouraged to take a break. A few minutes in another room gives the parent and baby time to calm down.

Parents are advised to be aware of their own limits and to respond accordingly. Although Fox has reportedly admitted that he knows he has issues with anger management, it is too late for his two infant sons.

Fox has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for fatally shaking his two infant sons. He is currently being held without bail.

[Image via Wikimedia]