Dad ‘Loses Temper’ With Colicky 3-Month-Old Baby Who Would Not Stop Crying, Leaves Him With 30+ Fractures

A New Hampshire father has been arrested for allegedly tormenting his three-month-old baby and causing him serious injuries. 36-year-old Drew Babcock was taken into custody in Nashua after his infant son was found with over 30 fractures and bruises on his body.

The case surfaced in early March when the baby’s grandmother took him to a hospital to get him treated for a cold. Doctors, however, noticed multiple injuries on the child’s body, including broken legs. His lungs were also filled with fluid due to bruising.

The doctors got in touch with the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYC), which then alerted the Nashua Police Department. The police arrested Babcock on March 13.

According to court documents, Babcock admitted to beating his son, claiming he lost his temper because the baby was colicky and would not stop crying. The abuse allegedly began when the baby was only a month old. The prosecutors have stated that Babcock squeezed his baby and applied pressure on his back, ribs, and stomach when he did not stop crying.

The abuse reportedly happened two or three times every week for two months. The baby has now been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. He also has a 4-year-old brother, who has been placed in the custody of their aunt.

Meanwhile, Babcock is in the middle of a separation from his wife. He allegedly confessed to his wife that he may have harmed their child. However, he maintains that he did not realize the baby was suffering as he did not use his full strength while squeezing him.

“He stated that he would use approximately 50% of his strength during this time. He admitted that he would conduct these maneuvers on [the victim] about two to three times a week,” prosecutor Melissa Farr told the court.

Babcock has been charged with eight counts of domestic violence-related first-degree assault. He was arraigned on March 16 before Nashua District Court Judge Amy Spony. During the hearing, his defense attorney, Joseph Fricano, argued that Babcock should be granted bail for $10,000 based on his clean criminal record and his history as a U.S. Army veteran.

The accused served in the army for eight years between 2011 and 2019. “He's presumed innocent, and I'm going to do everything I can to defend him. That's all I have.” Fricano said. The defense added that Babcock is accustomed to following orders as a veteran.

However, prosecutor Farr highlighted that the case was ‘nothing short of chilling.’ She said, “He admitted that he did this because he lost control and the baby would not stop crying.” The judge eventually ruled that Babcock should be held on preventive detention. The accused has also been asked not to contact his two children.