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Baby dies in Mesa abuse case
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Gregory Marshall McMillan
A baby who was hospitalized early Wednesday in a child abuse case has died, Mesa police investigators announced Saturday.
Two-month-old Gregory Friederich was pronounced dead Friday afternoon at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.
Police said the boy’s father, 21-year-old Gregory McMillan, remains in custody on suspicion of second-degree murder.
McMillan brought the baby to the emergency room early Wednesday and told the medical staff the boy was lethargic and would not eat. Detective Steve Berry said the medical staff examined the baby and found he had a fractured skull, two broken ribs and a lacerated liver. The staff reported the injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
McMillan left the hospital but returned later and was questioned by detectives.
Berry said McMillan told officers he was home with the baby when he lost his temper. He said he picked up the baby violently and struck his head on the crib, police said. He then took the baby to the changing table, where he pushed the boy’s legs forcefully into his chest while changing his diaper, police said.
McMillan was originally arrested on suspicion of two counts of child abuse. On Friday night, allegations of second-degree murder were added to the case.
Berry said McMillan was being held in the Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix.
Court records show McMillan also is accused of attacking the baby’s mother. Documents say he straddled the woman and with all his body weight pushed down on her throat. She had finger marks around her neck, documents say.
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