Bangor, ME – A 24-year-old Maine father has been charged with murder and domestic violence after his 12-week-old daughter died days after being rushed to the hospital from the family’s home, according to state police.
Authorities said Shawn Samuels was arrested on January 17, one day after first responders were called to a residence on January 16 for reports of an unresponsive infant. Paramedics were able to revive the baby, identified as Lyla, and transported her to a hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, the infant died on January 18.
According to court documents obtained by the Bangor Daily News, investigators learned that Samuels had been caring for Lyla alone for the first time after her mother, Leah Collins, returned to work from maternity leave. A relative who called 911 reportedly told dispatchers, “The father of this child is alone with the child for the first time.”
In an interview with police, Samuels initially denied hurting the baby and said he had not dropped or shaken her. He told investigators that he had been bouncing Lyla on his knee and swinging her side to side in his arms. When asked if the movement could have caused injury, Samuels allegedly replied, “Yeah.”
Police said detectives from the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit were called in “due to the facts and circumstances of the case.” Samuels was taken into custody following their investigation and now faces charges of murder and domestic violence.
Key points:
- Shawn Samuels, 24, charged with murder after death of his 12-week-old daughter, Lyla
- Baby was found unresponsive on Jan. 16 and died two days later in the hospital
- Affidavit shows father was caring for the child alone for the first time when incident occurred
Samuels remains in custody as authorities await the final autopsy results and continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lyla’s death.