The father of the child, Gary Lee Fox, 20, of Lubbock, allegedly told police he punched the child in the head, ribs and abdomen at least five to seven times Friday, and "probably a lot more than that," KCBD reported. Fox was arrested Tuesday and charged with knowingly or intentionally causing severe bodily injury to a child, according to Lubbock County jail records. He remains jailed in lieu of a $200,000 bond.
Also arrested Tuesday was the child's mother. Makayla Fricke, 22, of Lubbock. Fricke is accused of failing to report the abuse to police when she learned about it, and failing to immediately take him to the hospital for treatment, the Avalanche-Journal reported. She remains in jail in lieu of a $7,500 bond, according to jail records.
According to police, Fox allegedly admitted to beating the child while changing his diaper, saying he was angry because his son would not stop crying, KCDB reported. Fox also allegedly told police he was angry because Fricke was taking a nap, the television station reported.
Lubbock police were called Saturday by members of the staff at the hospital where the infant was being treated, the Avalanche-Journal reported.
About the Author