A 20-year-old Missouri father, Richard A. Leonard, has been charged with child abuse after allegedly injuring his 2-month-old daughter, causing 14 fractures throughout her body, police say.
The situation came to light after Leonard and his wife took the infant to a doctor’s appointment. The doctor noticed bruising on the baby and urged the couple to take her to the hospital for further examination. When they refused, the doctor reported the situation to the Department of Family Services... Continue reading here ▶
Police conducted a welfare check at the family’s home in Lee’s Summit, a suburb of Kansas City. The mother was holding the baby when officers arrived, and the child appeared calm at the time.
Later that evening, the couple brought the infant to the hospital, where doctors found extensive injuries, including fractures in her arms, legs, ribs, and fingers, as well as bruises on her shoulder, face, and back.
Initially, Leonard claimed he dropped the baby after tripping. When confronted with the severity and variety of injuries, he changed his story, saying he fell on top of her.
However, doctors determined that the injuries were consistent with “classic abuse” rather than accidents, as the fractures were in various stages of healing and spread across her body.
During an interview, Leonard admitted to handling the baby roughly during diaper changes, dressing, and swaddling. He explained that her squirming and resistance during these tasks, combined with his own anger issues, lack of sleep, and stress, led to the abuse. Leonard acknowledged using “more force than necessary” and said he felt immediate guilt afterward.
The mother told police she did not believe Leonard was capable of intentionally hurting their child but acknowledged she had not caused the injuries. She also noted that Leonard had a history of being abused as a child and placed in foster care, which may have contributed to his behavior.
Leonard reportedly said he was overwhelmed by stress, including moving to a new home, and reverted to pulling out his hair to cope with frustration, a behavior he developed as a child when he experienced abuse. He also admitted feeling upset because the baby would scream whenever he tried to hold her.
Police arrested Leonard, and he was taken to the Jackson County Correctional Facility. He posted a $50,000 bond but has been ordered by a judge to have no contact with his wife or child while out on bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
