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Lowell Baby Dies from Abusive Head Trauma Injuries

Posted on: May 17, 2013 - 12:26pm

LOWELL – Tragically, the nine-week old infant allegedly assaulted by his father has died, Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan informed the public today.

The child, William Berry, DOB 3-5-13, was pronounced dead at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children.

Christopher Berry, 22, of Lowell, was arraigned Monday, May 13, 2013 in Lowell District Court on charges of assault and battery on a child causing substantial bodily injury.  Lowell District Court Judge Thomas Brennan ordered the defendant held on $500,000 cash bail with conditions to have no contact with the victim’s family.  In addition, the defendant’s bail on his pending cases was revoked.

The defendant’s next court date is June 6 for a probable cause hearing.

An autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.  Additional charges against the defendant are possible, depending on the determination of cause and manner of death by the Chief Medical Examiner. The cause and manner of death are pending and not expected for several months. 

According to authorities, on Saturday, May 11, 2013, Lowell Police, Lowell Fire and paramedics responded to 215 Mammoth Road in Lowell for an unresponsive two month old male child.

The infant was brought to Lowell General and transported to Tufts Floating Hospital for Children with injuries that were consistent with non-accidental trauma.  The child subsequently died from the extent of his injuries.

An investigation was immediately launched.  As a result of the investigation, Berry, the child’s father, was arrested.  It is alleged the defendant shook the baby with such force as to cause extensive and catastrophic brain injuries.

The case is being investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Lowell Police. 

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Katharine Folger, Elissa Torto and Michael Kaneb.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Susie Marshall.