A man from Utah is currently in custody after being accused of causing the death of a 4-month-old girl he was babysitting. The incident reportedly occurred on August 25 at the Road Home Shelter in Midvale, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. The infant’s mother had left her daughter in the care of 28-year-old Zachary Jarred Walton, a family friend who also resided at the shelter and had previously babysat for her.
Walton later informed detectives from the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake that the infant, referred to as S.S. in court documents, had been sleeping for most of the day but woke up and was inconsolable. Walton decided to take the child to the roof of the building, believing the fresh air would calm her down. Despite her continuous crying and attempts to self-soothe with a pacifier, Walton’s frustration reportedly escalated.
When questioned about the events that transpired in the elevator, Walton initially denied any wrongdoing. He later confessed to accidentally bumping the infant’s head twice against the corner of the elevator. He claimed that the child stopped breathing, prompting him to attempt life-saving measures for five minutes before seeking help.
As the investigation continued, Walton allegedly admitted to using significant force to slam the infant’s head against the elevator’s corner. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Walton carrying the limp infant around the roof for approximately 17 minutes before seeking help and calling 911.
Medical professionals noted that the infant had multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding, and healing rib fractures that were estimated to be two to three weeks old. Walton attributed these injuries to hugging the child too hard out of excitement. The infant was removed from life support and passed away on Friday.
Walton has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse. He is currently being held at the Salt Lake County Jail without bond. District Attorney Gill urged those struggling with childcare responsibilities to seek help, emphasizing the tragic and preventable nature of the infant’s death.