Inset: David Schmies (Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution). Background: The Portage County Courthouse in Stevens Point, Wis. (Google Maps).
The trial of a Wisconsin man accused of abusing a 3-month-old infant has been postponed, prolonging the wait for justice.
David Schmies, 27, faces charges of child physical abuse stemming from an alleged 2022 incident. According to court documents reported by local CBS station WSAW, a relative of Schmies discovered the baby boy exhibiting signs of distress, including poor skin color and a swollen head. The infant was subsequently hospitalized on December 13, 2022.
The court documents detail that the relative found the baby while Schmies was exiting the shower. Schmies allegedly dismissed concerns with a remark, “Yeah, he’ll be fine.” However, upon further questioning, Schmies reportedly broke down in tears.
Authorities report that the infant’s body was marred with bruises, consistent with ongoing abuse. Medical personnel identified 15 rib fractures, likely from the child being squeezed. Additionally, both of the baby’s legs showed multiple fractures, believed to result from his limbs being forcibly pulled. The varying stages of healing of these injuries suggested that the abuse occurred over a period of time.
Court records also reveal the infant suffered from a skull fracture and brain bleeding, underscoring the severity of the alleged abuse.
Schmies allegedly said the injuries were caused when the baby fell off a bed, a claim that medical staff disputed.
Schmies, who was 22 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with physical abuse of a child, repeated acts intentionally causing harm. He was initially booked into the Portage County Jail; he is currently in custody at the Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution, where he is being held on unrelated charges.
Police did not specify the relationship between Schmies and the baby, who survived his injuries.
Local ABC affiliate WAOW reported that Schmies turned down a plea deal after his trial was delayed several times. His most recent trial date was scheduled to begin Aug. 31. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Aug. 12.