Suspect Accused Of Shaking His 8-Month-Old Daughter To Death, Cops Say

A man is accused of shaking his baby violently and killing the child. Now, police say, they have charged him with murder.

This week, police in Valdosta, Georgia, announced the arrest of Peyton Gaines.

On May 13, Gaines called 911 to say his 8-month-old daughter was not responsive, according to police. First responders came to the scene and found the baby had a pulse. She was taken to the hospital.

Days later, the child was brain dead and there were injuries from “non-accidental trauma,” according to medical officials.

On May 16, the victim died, police noted. A medical examiner found internal head trauma, which was consistent with the baby being shaken violently.

About a week later, police arrested Gaines on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children.

“This was great teamwork by several organizations that worked together to ensure that this tragic incident was properly investigated, and the offender will be held accountable. To think that someone could injure their child in this manner is heartbreaking,” said Chief Leslie Manahan.