Father, 24, arrested after infant daughter died while playing alone for first time

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one maine A father has been charged with murder after his 12-week-old daughter died after playing alone for the first time.

The family’s nightmare began when emergency services received a 911 call at noon on Friday, January 16, when dispatchers alerted first responders that a baby was “turning blue.”

Members of Orrington Fire Rescue, Brewer Fire Department and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence on Harvest Drive in Orrington to render aid to the infant, Maine State Police said in a statement.

While they were en route, the dispatcher provided more information, adding that a relative called to say “the child’s father was alone with the child for the first time.” reported boston globe.

When emergency services arrived at the home, they performed CPR on baby Lyla Samuels and she began breathing again. She was taken to a hospital near Bangor.

Because of her injuries, the Maine State Police North Precinct Major Crimes Unit was called to investigate, and her father, Shawn S. Samuels, 24, was arrested the next day on charges of domestic violence, aggravated assault (Class A) and two counts of breach of bail (Class E).

Shawn S. Samuels has pleaded not guilty to murdering his infant daughter, Lyla, during their first time playing alone. (Penobscot County Jail)

Baby Leila died in hospital on Sunday, January 18, one day after her arrest. The state medical examiner ruled her death a homicide. Maine State Police saidalthough the exact cause of death is still under investigation.

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Following the autopsy, detectives “arrested Samuels on a murder charge at the Penobscot County Jail, where he remains incarcerated,” The department’s statement said. He was arraigned via video last Wednesday from the Penobscot County Justice Center in Bangor, where he entered a not guilty plea and was ordered held on $250,000 bail.

Leah Collins, mother of little Leila; Tell bangor daily news Her daughter was “a gift from God and was soon back in heaven.”

She was born premature but grew rapidly and “surprised even her pediatrician with her strength and attentiveness,” Collins said.

“She knows how to tug at mom’s heartstrings to ensure that almost every nap is warm and close to her chest,” Laila’s mother addedwe will miss her deeply.

“Her smile, coos, giggles and coos brought joy to all who knew her. We miss her more than words can express, but she will always remain in our hearts as a precious, perfect baby girl.”

Little Leila “brought joy to everyone who knew her,” said her mother, Leah Collins. (to fund me)

one A GoFundMe page is set up to support Leila’s family As of Monday morning, more than $11,000 had been raised, surpassing the initial goal of $10,000.

“Our hearts are with baby Leila’s mom Leah and the Collins family, who are currently going through an extremely dark and difficult time,” Instructions for GoFundMewhich was created by a user named “Jenkins Family”.

“This family was loved by so many. They would never have asked for this support themselves, but we refuse to let them suffer alone or carry this burden without the support of friends, family and community.

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“We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This is a time for weeping and a time for us to stand alongside them, supporting them with love, prayer and practical needs as they walk through their dark days.”

Maine State Police said Laila’s death was an isolated incident and there was no ongoing public safety concern.

Shawn S. Samuels’ next court appearance is scheduled for February 13.