A Washington couple has been charged with second-degree murder after their 7-week-old son died from injuries consistent with abusive head trauma, authorities said.
Background
Mark Anthony Labaco Clamor, 21, and Alyssa Vanderbeck, 19, called 911 on March 4 to report their infant son was not breathing, according to court documents. The baby died five weeks later at Seattle Children's Hospital.
Doctors determined the infant suffered significant brain hemorrhaging consistent with shaken baby syndrome, according to KIRO. An autopsy further revealed intracranial and spinal hemorrhaging along with rib fractures.
Clamor told detectives he was watching the baby while Vanderbeck slept when the child became fussy. He said he picked up the infant with a jerking motion, causing the baby's head to jerk back forcefully, according to KOMO. Clamor stated he attempted to pull his son toward his chest as he realized he may have handled the child roughly.
The baby was placed in a bouncer to sleep while both parents showered. The couple later noticed their son making grunting sounds, which they initially attributed to gas or constipation.
Investigators found videos on the couple's phones showing the infant breathing heavily and exhibiting irregular eye movements, according to KOMO.
The Charges
Clamor and Vanderbeck were charged Thursday with second-degree murder. Their bonds were set at $1 million each.
Authorities allege the couple waited approximately one hour before calling 911, first contacting family members and friends for help. The King County Prosecutor's Office is handling the case.
Court documents accuse Vanderbeck of posting a TikTok video on March 8 — one day before her son's death — showing herself dancing in the bathroom with upbeat music while the infant remained hospitalized.
Key Takeaways
- The 7-week-old victim died five weeks after being admitted to Seattle Children's Hospital
- Autopsy revealed abusive head trauma, intracranial and spinal hemorrhaging, and rib fractures
- Father allegedly admitted to handling infant with jerking motion causing head to jerk back
- Parents waited an hour to call 911, contacting family before emergency services
- Mother posted dancing TikTok video in hospital one day before son's death
- Both parents charged with second-degree murder, bonds set at $1 million each
What's Next
Clamor and Vanderbeck are scheduled for arraignment in King County Superior Court. The case remains under investigation by the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff's Office. Prosecutors said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.