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In a troubling incident, Sarah Rediker and Jasper Shick were accused of child abuse after allegedly causing a severe injury to a 6-month-old during a diaper change. The incident reportedly occurred when Shick applied excessive pressure on the infant’s leg, resulting in a fracture, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities in Fernandina Beach, Florida, have arrested the duo following the discovery of the baby’s broken femur. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests took place on Monday night, as detailed in a police report.
The infant was taken to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville after the child’s grandmother noticed alarming swelling and redness on the baby’s left leg. The medical team at the hospital, suspecting abuse, promptly alerted the sheriff’s office and the Department of Children and Families.
The femur is known to be the strongest bone in the human body. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a femur fracture in infants under six months is often indicative of abuse.
While the police report remains partially redacted, it reveals that the injury occurred during a diaper change at approximately 7 p.m. on Monday. The baby, reportedly irritable from teething, was squeezed forcefully by Shick, who then realized the harm caused. Despite this awareness, the suspects delayed seeking medical assistance, waiting nearly three hours until the grandmother returned home and took action.
The sheriff’s office says detectives later learned the father drank alcohol and smoked marijuana before the incident.
The baby’s grandmother allowed detectives into the home where the child and suspects lived, according to the report, where several potential hazards were documented.
The baby’s crib was observed in a closet with little air flow, and detectives reported finding several empty bottles of alcohol strewn throughout the bedroom, as well as small torches, bongs and marijuana “within arm’s reach” of the baby.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this kind of abuse inflicted on a defenseless baby,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “Protecting children, especially at this most vulnerable age, is my top priority.”
Shick, who was out on bond for an alleged DUI offense in October, had his bond revoked Tuesday due to the new charges.
He faces three felony charges, including for aggravated child abuse and making false statements to investigators. His total bond was set at more than $125,000.
Rediker is being held in the jail for two felony charges, according to county jail records.
