7-month-old baby dies from head injuries, babysitter arrested for murder: report

A 7-month-old baby died after suffering multiple head injuries in San Francisco and police say the babysitter was charged with murder.

Joseph Gerome Williams, 26, and his girlfriend were being paid to watch the baby, Synciere Williams, at their apartment on April 20, authorities said.

Court records obtained by local media state Williams rushed the unresponsive infant to the emergency room. Police said Joseph Williams was alone with the baby for an hour before heading to the hospital.

Authorities stated the baby had injuries to both sides of his head and it was “consistent with more than one impact” and “not consistent with the victim being dropped or falling.”

The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital and despite having the same name as the suspect, they are not believed to have been related, police said.

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin told the San Francisco Examiner, “My office has filed murder charges and we will put every resource at our disposal into prosecuting this case. We know nothing can make the family whole again, but we will work our hardest to make sure there is justice.”

According to investigators, Williams said the baby had a “crying problem” and would not stop crying.

Police said Williams initially told them the baby stopped breathing after spitting up milk, but later stated that the baby pulled down a television onto his own head. In both versions of the story, Williams claimed to be in the bathroom when the baby stopped breathing, police said.

The San Francisco Examiner reported Williams was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in two previous incidents this year, but was released without any charges being filed against him.

The District Attorney’s Office previously said they declined to file charges against Williams because the woman police accused Williams of attacking both times did not want to press charges.

Williams was charged with murder and assault on a child in connection to the baby's death. He is being held in jail without bond.