1-month-old boy died after his 19-year-old father, who used his “free” time playing games and barely helped around him, struck him in the head 6 times just because he wouldn’t stop crying

Arizona – In a harrowing incident in Arizona, police say a 19-year-old father, identified as A. Barney, admitted to striking his 6-week-old son in the head six times because the baby would not stop crying. The infant was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and multiple marks throughout his body but died early the next morning.

Court records show Barney faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of child abuse following the tragic death of his infant son. Police allege the young father violently assaulted the baby, causing a fatal brain bleed and severe internal injuries. He remains held in county jail on a $1 million bond as he awaits a court appearance scheduled for August 7.

The tragedy unfolded the night of July 28, when the baby’s mother left the apartment to go grocery shopping. When she returned about an hour later, she found her son lying on the bed, bruised and struggling to breathe. Barney allegedly refused to explain what had happened as she called 911. Responding officers and paramedics found the infant in “respiratory distress” and transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency care, the boy was pronounced dead hours later.

At first, Barney told investigators the baby had accidentally rolled off the couch. But he soon admitted that was untrue. According to a probable cause affidavit, he confessed to slapping the child’s face twice before later admitting he had struck him six times in the head and face out of frustration with his crying. Police wrote that Barney admitted his actions were wrong and said he wished to tell the baby’s mother he was sorry for killing the child.

Investigators revealed further details about the family dynamic. The mother told police she was often upset with Barney because he was unemployed and rarely helped with childcare, instead spending his “free” time playing video games and watching videos on his tablet. She said when confronted about his lack of involvement, he would become angry and punch holes in the walls. After the beating, Barney reportedly swaddled the baby, propped a bottle for him, and returned to the couch until his girlfriend came home.

Barney was arrested that night and processed at the county jail. He now faces a preliminary hearing in early August. Prosecutors describe the crime as a calculated and violent attack on a defenseless infant. For the grieving mother, the loss of her infant son now intertwines with the betrayal of the person who was supposed to protect him. The case underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked frustration and violence, leaving a family shattered and a community horrified.