JANE LEW, WV – A West Virginia man is charged with first-degree murder after admitting to throwing his 1-year-old stepson, resulting in the child’s death from a skull fracture.
Authorities say 27-year-old Zachary Williams allegedly confessed to hurling the child in a fit of frustration over the weekend. Emergency services were called to a home in Jane Lew on reports of a baby not breathing. Despite efforts to resuscitate, the child was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after.
An investigation details that the baby’s grandparents, residing in the same household, had observed the infant in good spirits that morning, albeit with a lingering cold. They recounted a minor incident where the child bumped his head, causing a slight mark. The medical examiner later noted a bruise above the left eye, but no immediate suspicion arose until further examination.
Inquiries into the household’s environment revealed no neglect, according to the grandparents. They did acknowledge that the child’s mother occasionally smoked Delta 8 cannabinoids but always did so outside the home.
Investigative reports from the hospital included accounts from the mother, who mentioned that the child was irritable due to illness. After feeding him breakfast, she attempted to put him down for a nap. When the baby resisted sleep, she woke Williams to assist.
According to law enforcement, Williams brought the baby into their bedroom, but moments later, he was yelling for help. The mother found her child unresponsive and immediately called 911.
During interviews, Williams initially described soothing the child by bouncing him, only for the baby to unexpectedly go limp. However, an autopsy revealed the infant sustained a significant skull fracture, indicating trauma.
Confronted with these findings, Williams admitted to throwing the infant out of frustration, causing him to strike his head on the bed frame and floor. He reportedly expressed remorse, acknowledging responsibility for the tragic incident.
Williams remains in custody at Central Regional Jail without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings as the investigation continues.