BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Merritt Island man is in custody after Brevard County Sheriff’s Office alleges he physically abused his 3-month-old daughter, who is now in critical condition.
- Father charged with aggravated child abuse, child neglect
- He's accused of causing 'significant trauma' to infant's head, chest
- 3-month-old daughter at Arnold Palmer in critical condition
Andrew William Shelley, 21, is charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Shelley is accused of physically hurting his infant daughter, who is in critical condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children with “significant trauma” to her head and chest areas.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey in a Facebook post said the investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Dept. of Children and Families about an infant in critical condition at Arnold Palmer. She was transferred to the children’s hospital after her mom reportedly brought her to a hospital in Brevard County early Tuesday morning.
Medical personnel told authorities that the infant’s injuries were caused by physical abuse.
According to DCF, the 3-month-old was injured while her mom was at work and was being watched by Shelley.
He is being held at Brevard County Jail without bond.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Agent Cynthia Young of BCSO’s Special Victim’s Unit at 321-633-8419.