A Pennsylvania man has been charged with attempted homicide and assault after authorities say he stabbed his 3-month-old son and then threw the infant into the snow.
Police responded to a reported stabbing at an apartment complex in Coatesville, in southeastern Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, around 11:36 a.m., according to a joint statement from the Coatesville Police Department and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
When officers arrived, they found an infant with what appeared to be a stab wound to the abdomen. The child’s mother told investigators that the baby’s father, Michael Phillips, 44, had made comments earlier that morning about needing to “sacrifice” the baby before attacking the child with a knife and stabbing him once, authorities said.
The mother said she grabbed the baby and ran outside with her 9-year-old son. She told police Phillips followed them, took the infant from her arms, and threw him into the snow. The woman said she then used her body to protect the baby while her older child went to get help.
First responders provided emergency care and transported the infant to a nearby hospital, officials said. In a separate statement issued Feb. 11, police said the baby was in very serious condition and was flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. A Feb. 12 update said the infant was listed in critical but stable condition.
Phillips was arraigned the morning of Feb. 12 on charges including attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and reckless endangerment, police said. He is being held without bond at Chester County Prison.
Authorities said they contacted police and the district attorney’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response. It was not clear whether Phillips has legal representation.
Neighbors told local outlets they were stunned by the allegations.
“He’s always been a quiet, nice guy,” neighbor Edward Rivers said in an interview with NBC 10 Philadelphia. “This morning I saw him… He smiled to me, said goodbye like normal.”
Another resident, Robert Boyd, told the station he spoke with Phillips earlier that day and noticed nothing unusual. Neighbor Danielle Gray also said she saw no warning signs, describing the family as close-knit and involved in the community.
