BANGOR, ME – A 12-week-old baby girl has died in what police say was a case of homicide, leading to charges against her father as the community mourns her tragic loss.
Emergency services were called to a residence in Bangor on Jan. 16 after Lyla, an infant girl, was found unresponsive. Paramedics managed to revive her at the scene before rushing her to the hospital. Despite efforts by medical staff, Lyla died two days later on Jan. 18.
According to investigators, this was the first time Lyla’s father, Shawn Samuels, 24, was watching her alone after her mother, Leah Collins, had returned to work from maternity leave. The transition was meant to be a milestone for the family, but it ended in tragedy when Lyla stopped breathing and became unresponsive.
Authorities say that a relative placed the emergency call, reporting that the young father was caring for his daughter solo for the first time. As the situation unfolded, police launched an investigation into the child’s injuries, citing circumstances that immediately raised concerns for detectives.
Medical examiners later determined that Lyla suffered from serious injuries prior to her death, including four fractured ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and evidence of brain swelling and bleeding. The manner of her death was ruled a homicide, though an official cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
During questioning, Samuels reportedly told police that he had bounced Lyla on his knee and swung her gently in his arms, but insisted that he did not intend to harm her. Investigators pressed him on whether the actions could have contributed to her injuries, and Samuels acknowledged that possibility.
An autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner suggested Lyla’s fatal injuries stemmed from an acceleration-deceleration event, often associated with violent shaking or impact, according to police reports.
On Jan. 17, Samuels was initially arrested on charges of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and violating bail conditions stemming from previous unrelated incidents. After Lyla’s death, authorities added a charge of murder. He is being held at the Penobscot County Jail on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 13.
As the criminal case unfolds, Lyla’s mother and her family are left to grieve. A fundraising effort has been set up online by Collins’ relatives to help with funeral costs and associated expenses, drawing messages of support from friends and community members.
Police continue to gather evidence as the investigation progresses, stressing the severity of the case and the tragic loss of such a young life.