Trigger Warning: This article contains references to the alleged child abuse that some readers may find distressing.

A Missouri couple faces severe criminal charges after a five-week-old infant was left in critical condition after an alleged assault inside their home.

According to court records, the newborn endured severe internal trauma, including brain bleeding, fractured ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and swelling in the brain.

First responders were dispatched on July 28 to the couple’s residence. Upon arrival, they found the infant cold and unresponsive. They noted that the child was “lethargic” and making “grunting” sounds.

Emergency crews immediately transported the boy to Cox South Hospital before he was airlifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital due to the severity of his condition.

Medical examiners documented extensive injuries, all indicative of abusive head trauma and inflicted physical abuse.

The baby’s father, Kenai Logun Kelley, 19, has been charged with child abuse or neglect. Authorities say he confessed to playing “too rough” with the newborn. Court documents reveal Kelley allegedly shook his son “forcefully by the legs.” He also slammed him “face-first onto a hardwood floor from a height of a couple feet” and even used the infant’s own hands to strike him in the head.

According to a probable cause affidavit, “(the father) demonstrated these actions using a doll and stated (the victim) went limp afterward. (the father) admitted he was angry at the time and agreed he was the only person who had care, custody, and control of (the newborn) when the injuries occurred.”

Kelley allegedly confessed to shaking the child “back and forth by his legs” for about a minute. He stopped after “hearing a ‘thump’ sound” from the baby’s “head hitting something.” He also confessed that the facial bruise occurred after he dropped him on his face. He said he was angry. He held the baby’s own hands and struck him on his head. However, Kelley said he did not realize he hit him too hard.

The child’s mother, Starr Mariah Vesey, also 19, faces a first-degree charge for endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities allege Vesey ignored obvious signs of severe physical trauma and delayed seeking medical help for hours.

Kelley is being held at the Greene County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Vesey is being held on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 26.

According to the authorities, no one but the parents is responsible for putting the infant in harm’s way. Despite the baby displaying concerning symptoms, none of the parents called emergency services. Kelley saw the bruise on his face but went back to sleep. The mother did not check up on her child until the next morning. Around noon, she tried to “force-feed” him, but the newborn kept staring blankly.

Instead of calling 911, Vesey called the child’s pediatrician. Call records refute her claim and show that she only called the doctor hours later. Detectives found that she looked up why her three-week-old baby would have bruises. She told investigators she “routinely checked” the child for injuries. Kelley said he believed she made that habit because she was aware of his “anger issues.”

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available within the public record.