A man from Colorado accused of killing his girlfriend’s 10-month-old baby had his charges dropped this week after a judge ruled that the lead prosecutor violated his right to due process by making inappropriate comments to a reporter. The prosecutor had stated that the man only babysat the infant to “get laid.”
William Jacobs, 22, was alleged to have shaken baby Edward Hayes to death after the baby was found unresponsive in a motel room in Cañon City. The incident occurred in May 2023, as reported by local media.
The dismissal of the charges was granted by Fremont County District Court Judge Kaitlin Turner after the district attorney handling the case made controversial remarks about the suspect during an interview with The Cañon City Daily Record.
Jacobs was the last person to take care of Edward after the baby’s mother, Brook Crawford, left them alone while she went to work.
The coroner determined that the baby died from blunt-force trauma to the head. Jacobs was arrested on May 21 and charged with first-degree murder.
However, the charges were dismissed due to the prosecutor’s comments. The judge ruled that the prosecutor’s conduct was inappropriate and violated Jacobs’ right to due process.
The prosecutor had made remarks to a local news outlet stating that Jacobs had no emotional investment in the child and was only watching the baby to pursue sexual relations. The prosecutor also disclosed Jacobs’ past criminal history, including a previous sex crime charge.
Jacobs had been living at the Motel 6 where Crawford worked. He moved into her room shortly after they met.
After the baby was found unresponsive, Jacobs initially claimed that the baby became stiff and started making noises while he was changing his diaper. Jacobs later confessed to abusing the baby by biting him and hitting his head on a door frame.
Expert testimony presented at a preliminary hearing indicated that the baby’s head trauma was deliberate based on the severity and pattern of the injuries.
Jacobs was released on bond after Crawford vouched for him in a letter to the court.
Crawford defended Jacobs in her letter to the court, describing him as a good person with potential. Stanley, the prosecutor, is facing disciplinary action for her conduct in the case.
A hearing regarding her behavior has been scheduled for June.
Please paraphrase.
Source link
