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July 28, 2010

13-month-old in critical condition; man to be charged with abuse

By Donna Hales Phoenix Staff Writer

— A Muskogee man is expected to be charged today with child abuse after a baby was admitted to a Tulsa hospital in critical condition.

Formal charges were being typed late Wednesday against William Herbert Shamblin, 27, said Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Crieg Rittenhouse.

The 13-month-old is in treatment at an undisclosed Tulsa hospital. Police have not released the name of the child.

Shamblin is being held without bond in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility.

Police Lt. Bobby Lee said Shamblin told investigators he was playing with the baby when the infant was injured.

“It’s hard to see a child getting injuries like this from playing,” Lee said.

Rittenhouse said a staff doctor said the child suffered from a subdural hematoma (blood on the brain), the basis of which appears to be consistent with child abuse.

“The family is claiming some genetic problem,” Rittenhouse said. “The doctor said bruising on the legs also appears consistent with child abuse.”

Shamblin is scheduled for a bond hearing at 3 p.m. today before Special District Judge Robin Adair, Rittenhouse said.

Muskogee Regional Medical Center called police after the child’s mother and her boyfriend, Shamblin, took the child to the hospital Tuesday night, Lee said. The injuries occurred at Shamblin’s house on Jefferson Street, police said.

Shamblin told police he was the only person with the infant when the injuries occurred, Lee said.

The baby has been in critical condition since being admitted to the Tulsa hospital, Rittenhouse said.

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