A Maine father was arrested last week on a single murder charge in the killing of his 12-week-old daughter, Lyla Samuels, after state police said the infant’s death was ruled a homicide.
On Friday, January 16, a 911 was received from a caller saying Lyla “had become unresponsive” at a home in Orrington, which is about a 135-mile drive northeast from Portland, according to Maine State Police.
After first responders arrived, the girl was taken to a medical center in Bangor, state police said in a Wednesday, January 21, news release.
Then, a criminal investigation began, leading to the arrest of her father, Shawn Samuels, who is also charged with domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and two counts of violation of bail, according to police. He was taken into custody on Saturday, January 17.
The next day, on Sunday, January 18, detectives were notified that Lyla had died, police said.
As a result, Shawn, 24, of Orrington, was charged with murder while he was still being detained at the Penobscot County Jail, according to police.
Information on Shawn’s legal representation was not immediately available on Thursday, January 22.
An autopsy revealed that Lyla had four broken ribs, brain swelling and her eyes had been bleeding, according to a probable cause affidavit viewed by The Bangor Daily News.
Her official cause of death is pending, state police said.
Shawn was with Lyla the day she became unresponsive on January 16, when her mother, Leah Collins, went back to work following her maternity leave, The Bangor Daily News reported, citing the affidavit.
While speaking with police, Shawn said that he did not hurt Lyla and that she stopped breathing as he was feeding her, the affidavit says, according to the newspaper. He did, however, add that he likely caused her injuries from bouncing her on his knee.
Collins told The Bangor Daily News that her daughter was “a gift from God, returned to Heaven much too soon.”
“She knew how to pull on her mom‘s heartstrings to make sure nearly every nap was tucked in warm and close to her chest,” Collins also said. “Her smiles, grunts, giggles, and coos brought joy to all who knew her. She is missed beyond what words could ever express but will forever stay in our hearts as the precious, perfect baby girl that she is.”
Shawn was due to appear for his first court appearance over Zoom on Wednesday, January 21, according to state police.
Maine State Police encourage anyone with information related to the homicide investigation to call (207) 973-3700, extension 9, to speak with Detective Dana Austin. Tips can also be submitted online, according to police.
Shawn was arrested following the recent conviction of a New York man, who was found guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection with the 2022 death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son, Us Weekly previously reported.
On January 16, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Gionni Sellers, 26, of Middletown, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. He faces 25 years to life in prison.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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