Estimated read time: 1-2 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
PROVO -- A Provo judge heard evidence Friday against a father accused of aggravated murder in the death of his newborn son.
It's been nearly two years now since the 6-week-old baby was hospitalized, after what police call multiple episodes of violent abuse. The baby boy died months later, and his father was charged with aggravated murder.
"It is the state's position that the evidence shows the baby was violently assaulted numerous times," said prosecutor Donna Kelly.
Cameron Nielsen was arrested in June of 2008, a few weeks after his son Jason was hospitalized. Doctors discovered the baby suffered skull and rib fractures, injuries to his liver and was left blind.
Jason was placed in foster care but died in October of 2008. The medical examiner testified Friday Jason's death was the direct result of the abuse from several months earlier.
Prosecutors had charged Nielsen with child abuse and attempted murder and had offered a plea deal. But after the baby died, the case was amended to aggravated murder.
"It is always tragic when a young baby that is helpless and defenseless is violently assaulted. It's always a tragedy for everyone," Kelly said.
Nielsen's ex-wife testified against him Friday, saying she went through what she called "the abuse cycle" with him.
Prosecutors also played a recording of Nielsen, which they believe shows him admitting to abusing the baby.
Next month, prosecutors will call on the baby's doctor from Primary Children's Medical Center. The doctor is expected to testify about the baby's injuries.
The judge will then rule on whether there is enough evidence against Nielsen to stand trial on the aggravated murder charges.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
