A Pennsylvania father is facing felony charges after allegedly breaking his newborn son’s arm, both legs, and several ribs, reportedly telling investigators he "may have been too rough" with the fragile infant. Vincent Marino, 31, was arrested by Luzerne Police Department officers following a medical evaluation that concluded the baby’s injuries were non-accidental.
Background
The investigation began on May 18 when a caseworker from the Luzerne County Department of Children, Youth and Families contacted local police to report a child with a series of suspicious injuries. The alert originated from a physician at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, who had treated the infant for multiple broken bones and excessive bruising.
According to court records cited by WYOU, the newborn suffered fractures to one arm, both legs, and ribs. A physician specializing in child abuse cases examined the boy and provided a stark assessment to detectives, stating, "There is no question in my mind that this child was abused."
Marino initially offered an explanation to county caseworkers, claiming he had dropped the baby when a pet cat jumped on him and he heard a "snap," according to The Citizens’ Voice. However, authorities determined this account did not align with the severity and pattern of the fractures. As questioning continued, Marino allegedly conceded that he "may have been too rough with him."
The Charges
Prosecutors have charged Marino with three felony counts of endangering the welfare of children. The Luzerne County Magisterial District Judge Joshua R. Moses set bail at $1 million during Marino’s arraignment.
Investigative reports from WOLF indicate that Marino lived with the baby’s biological mother and his own mother. Both women allegedly expressed concerns to authorities about how Marino handled the infant. Marino’s mother reportedly warned her son previously, telling him, "The baby is not a toy. He's fragile."
Police allege that Marino continued to engage in "unsafe and excessively rough handling" of the child even after the boy had been hospitalized for the initial injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Vincent Marino, 31, is charged with three felony counts of endangering the welfare of children.
- The newborn suffered fractures to his arm, both legs, and ribs, alongside excessive bruising.
- A medical specialist deemed the injuries "non-accidental" and told detectives the child was abused.
- Marino initially blamed a cat for a drop incident but later admitted he "may have been too rough."
- Bail was set at $1 million by Luzerne County Magisterial District Judge Joshua R. Moses.
- Family members, including Marino’s mother, had previously warned him about handling the infant.
What's Next
Marino is scheduled to appear in court for his preliminary hearing on Sept. 15. The Luzerne County District Attorney’s office will likely present further evidence regarding the timeline of injuries and the medical findings to determine if the case proceeds to trial.
The ongoing investigation may also examine whether other family members or caregivers failed to report the abuse earlier, given the warnings reportedly issued by Marino’s mother.