MESQUITE, TX – A Mesquite father faces a capital murder charge after police say he confessed to violently abusing his seven-week-old child, ultimately causing the infant’s death.
Jordan Greer, 22, was arrested after emergency responders were called to a residence on the 5800 block of Northwest Drive just after 5 p.m. on Sept. 18. Authorities were told an infant was unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, officers and medical personnel discovered the baby in severe distress and immediately began life-saving procedures before the child was transported to a nearby hospital.
Medical staff identified multiple traumatic injuries on the child, including a skull fracture, swelling and bleeding of the brain, as well as various rib fractures in different stages of healing. Officials said the types and extent of injuries were consistent with ongoing and severe physical abuse.
Initial questioning of Greer reportedly yielded no explanation for the injuries. However, police say that during a later interview, Greer admitted to shaking the baby and striking the child’s head against the crib on at least two occasions. He allegedly shared concerns during questioning that his use of force might have killed the infant.
A medical evaluation later concluded the wounds were the result of intentional harm, inflicted over multiple episodes rather than a single incident. Investigators said the evidence pointed to a pattern of violence.
The child, who had been placed on life support and closely monitored by hospital staff, succumbed to his injuries five days after being brought to the hospital. On Monday, authorities announced that they had gathered enough evidence to arrest and charge Greer with capital murder.
Booking records indicate Greer was taken into custody on Sept. 22 and is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond.
Police have stated the investigation remains active, as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The family’s residence, located just east of Dallas, was the scene of an intensive forensic review in the days following the 911 call.
In Texas, a conviction for capital murder can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or potentially the death penalty. No additional charges had been announced as of Tuesday.
Authorities have not released the name of the deceased infant, citing privacy for the family.