A 25-year-old man in Indiana is facing severe legal consequences for the tragic death of his girlfriend’s 21-month-old daughter. The toddler was shaken so violently that doctors reported her brain herniating, resulting in a distressing leakage through her ears.
Jesse A Sartin was arrested on Friday and is facing charges of murder and aggravated battery in connection with the tragic death of a young girl, according to authorities.
In a recent update from the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s Office, it was reported that officers from the Lawrenceburg Police Department swiftly responded to a distress call from St. Elizabeth Hospital Dearborn. The call pertained to a concerning incident involving a 21-month-old girl who had sustained a head injury that medical professionals found to be suspicious.
Upon arrival at the facility, medical staff were informed that the child had sustained an injury in an accident. According to Sartin, she informed the medical staff that the toddler was standing on an ottoman when the couple’s dog accidentally knocked her over, causing her to fall.
Because of the seriousness of the child’s injuries, she was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which is about 30 miles east, for more specialized treatment. The toddler went through an urgent brain surgery to alleviate the pressure caused by significant brain swelling. During the procedure, doctors made an attempt to remove a part of her skull.
According to The Kansas City Star, doctors reported that the child’s brain was severely swollen, resulting in herniation and leakage through her ears. Tragically, the young girl passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, and was declared deceased.
During an interview with the police, Sartin confessed to feeling frustrated with the toddler during bath time. He explained that the child was acting aggressively and flailing her arms, seemingly reluctant to leave the bathtub. According to reports, Sartin admitted to shaking her for approximately 20 seconds.
Sartin appeared before Dearborn County Circuit Court Judge F. Aaron Negangard on Monday afternoon.
During Monday’s hearing, Detective Jeremy Shepherd from Dearborn County testified, reading aloud from a letter that authorities claim Sartin wrote to his girlfriend following the tragic incident involving her child.
An autopsy has allegedly confirmed that the victim’s death was ruled as a homicide. The cause of death was determined to be swelling in the brain, significant hemorrhages in both eyes, and hemorrhaging in the spinal cord. These findings are consistent with the victim being violently shaken for an extended period.
Sartin is currently being held in the Dearborn County Jail without bond, according to records cited by Local-12 News.