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A tragic incident unfolded in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, where a father has been accused of a heinous act against his infant son. The man reportedly stabbed his 3-month-old child before discarding him into the snow.
Michael Phillips, aged 44, was scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday. However, proceedings were postponed as he appeared unable to answer simple questions and repeatedly sought divine forgiveness.
Due to Phillips’ apparent condition, the judge opted not to move forward with the arraignment that evening.
Following this decision, authorities transferred Phillips from the Coatesville Police Department to the Chester County Prison.
According to law enforcement, Phillips allegedly inflicted a stab wound on the infant’s stomach before abandoning him in the snow.
On Wednesday morning, police officers responded to what officials described as an altercation between a mother and a father.
Investigators say the mother was trying to stop Phillips from stabbing their son.
Phillips argued with officers who first arrived at the scene, while another officer ran toward an ambulance carrying the 3-month-old baby wrapped in a blanket, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit states that blood was on Phillips’ shirt and that body camera footage later captured him saying, “I did it, God, I did it.”
Neighbor Danielle Gray said she was in shock after learning the disturbing details.
“I called my husband, and I said you’re not going to believe what happened,” Gray said.
Neighbors told ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI that the family has lived in the Millview Apartments for years.
The affidavit also states that the baby’s mother told officials Phillips made comments about sacrificing the baby before he stabbed him. She told her 9-year-old child to run and get help, investigators said.
Investigators say Phillips took the baby and threw him into the snow, and the mother then laid on top of the child in an effort to protect her son.
“It’s shocking. It’s truly shocking, and to find out who it was, heartbreaking. I’ve known them for years,” Gray said.
Phillips is being held at Chester County Prison until a second attempt at arraignment is scheduled for Thursday morning.
He is facing several charges, including attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault with intent to cause severe bodily injury and endangering the welfare of a child.
The child was flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and underwent emergency surgery. He is in critical but stable condition.
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