A Connecticut father is accused of killing his 2-week-old son after allegedly inflicting fatal head injuries on the newborn, who was found bleeding from both ears. Dean R. Peruta, 40, reportedly argued against letting the baby’s mother call 911 when the infant was discovered on the floor, claiming he had accidentally dropped the child from a couch, according to the Willimantic Police Department.
Background
The investigation began on Dec. 21, 2025, when emergency medical personnel responded to a home on Church Street regarding an unresponsive infant. The newborn was transported to Windham Hospital and then transferred to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in critical condition. Medical records indicate the infant suffered bruising on both sides of his head, swelling near his left ear, internal bleeding in his brain, a fracture to the left side of his skull, and a stroke.
Despite being placed on life support, the baby was pronounced dead on Dec. 27, 2025, after doctors determined he had lost brain function. An autopsy performed by the medical examiner concluded that the cause of death was blunt-force injury to the head, and the manner of death was classified as homicide.
Peruta told police he had brought the baby downstairs around 3 a.m. to feed him and later fell asleep while holding the infant on the couch. He claimed he awoke to the sound of the baby crying on the floor near his feet. Peruta stated he did not immediately tell the baby's mother what happened because he did not believe the child was seriously injured. Although he eventually acknowledged the fall, police allege he initially argued against letting the mother call 911.
The Charges
Peruta is facing one count each of murder of a victim under 16 years old, murder, and risk of injury to a child. Medical staff who examined the infant undermined Peruta's account of an accidental fall. Multiple doctors told investigators that the child's injuries were "medically inconsistent" with a fall of roughly 3 feet from a couch and would have required a significantly greater height to produce, according to the Connecticut Post. Medical personnel also described the injuries as nonaccidental and consistent with multiple impacts, shaken-baby syndrome, or significant blunt-force trauma.
During a police interview, Peruta acknowledged that he had been drinking the night the baby was injured, describing the amount as "normal" for him. "That's no excuse," Peruta told investigators, according to the warrant. "I just feel bad. I've been feeling bad all day. Poor kid." The investigation also uncovered a recording supplied by Peruta's ex-wife in which he discussed his beliefs on child discipline. Peruta said he would "beat" his children so they would "fear you more than any other thing," and compared his disciplinary methods to beating a dog to house train it.
Key Takeaways
- Dean R. Peruta is charged with murder and risk of injury to a child following the death of his 2-week-old son.
- The infant suffered a skull fracture, internal brain bleeding, and bled from both ears, injuries doctors said were inconsistent with a fall from a couch.
- Peruta allegedly argued against calling 911 when the baby was found on the floor, claiming he had accidentally dropped the child.
- A recording from Peruta's ex-wife revealed he compared disciplining children to "beating a dog to house train it."
- Peruta was already in custody on unrelated charges when served with the murder warrant and is held on $2 million bond.
What's Next
Peruta remains in custody with a $2 million bond set following his arrest on the new murder charges. He was already detained on unrelated charges when the warrant was served. The investigation is now focused on preparing the case for preliminary hearings in Connecticut Superior Court, where prosecutors will present the medical evidence contradicting the suspect's account of an accidental fall. No specific trial date has been announced yet, but legal proceedings are expected to move forward as the state builds its case against the allegations of nonaccidental trauma.