Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY -- Sandy police arrested a man for felony child abuse after he allegedly shook the 9-month-old he was babysitting. The infant died Thursday night, and police now plan to pursue child abuse homicide charges.
Jared Billette, 23, was trusted for caring for the infant. On Wednesday, the mother dropped the baby off at the Sandy apartment, near 1000 East Promontory Way (7880 South), Billette shares with his girlfriend--she's a close friend of the mom. Billette was also watching a 2-year-old.
The girlfriend called Billette a couple hours later, and he told her the baby was having trouble breathing, and she called for help.
Sandy Police Sgt. Justin Chapman said, "The injury is consistent with shaken baby and rapid deceleration-- meaning if a person moved at a high speed or a high velocity and suddenly stopped--that would be the cause of damage to the brain."
The baby was flown to Primary Children's Medical Center. He died from his injuries Thursday night.
Police have interviewed Billette and report all he would say is he doesn't know what happened. However, investigators are confident they have the right person.
Chapman said, "The baby was fine when he was left with the babysitter. The babysitter was the only person with these two children when we know the baby was fine to having these severe injuries."
Police say Billette moved to Utah from Washington State a short time ago. He's out of a job and was babysitting to make money.
A charity account has been set up to help the baby's family pay for medical expenses and memorial services. If you would like to help, you can donate to the "Baby Milo Memorial Fund"* at any Wells Fargo bank branch.
------
Story compiled with contributions from Sarah Dallof and Marc Giauque.
---
*Ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
