SPARTA, Mich. — A 20-day-old infant is in Spectrum Hospital Monday with 19 broken bones, and his father is behind bars charged with first-degree child abuse.
David Steiger, 19, of Sparta, was charged Friday, July 5, and could spend the rest of his life in jail if convicted of the crime.
According to medical documents, Steiger said he may be responsible for the injuries but can’t remember because he blacked out. He said his son fell off the couch while he was watching him July 2, and he admitted to police that he pushed his son’s leg until he heard a “pop” sound.
That sound, according to police, was the baby’s femur and tibia breaking. The remaining broken bones were discovered after the infant was taken to the hospital.
An anonymous friend said Steiger once came over to their house with the baby, who was gasping for air. They say Steiger was hesitant to take the infant to the hospital.
“Protective Services will be all over me,” Steiger allegedly told the friend.
