KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has charged a father with abusing his two-month-old son who is fighting for his life in the hospital.
Paul Preston, 41, was arrested and charged with five counts of First-Degree Child Abuse.
According to Liam's mother, who preferred not to be identified, Liam suffered a fractured skull with brain bleeding, a broken arm and leg, and bruised and fractured ribs.
The investigation began on May 23 when Liam's mom took him to Bronson Hospital.
"[Paul] was walking to the bedroom and he said he tripped and fell with the baby," Liam's mom said. "At least that's what he told me."
CPS became involved because child abuse was suspected.
According to court documents, the child abuse occurred at an apartment in the 700 block of Gardland Circle beginning around April 1.
A doctor advised that Preston seemed to provide explanations that each injury was caused accidentally. Preston talked about an incident when Liam hit his face against him and his nose bled and Preston had to wipe it.
The doctor noted the injuries were in different stages of healing indicating the serious injuries were sustained at different times.
Once Preston was taken to KDPS Headquarters, he was read his Miranda Rights and was interviewed.
He allegedly admitted to detectives that the other adults in the household did not cause any injuries and he punched or struck his child in the head four separate times.
He would sometimes grip his baby's head with both hands and squeeze, hold his sides and squeeze him, throw him on a bed, and into the air and catch him.
Police say Preston admitted the violent acts started when Liam was just three weeks old.
He allegedly acknowledged each act would seriously hurt the child and admitted he would think about that and then cry.
"It's going to be a long road for me and Liam," said Mom. "We'll get there slowly with the support of my family and friends and the community. We'll get there eventually. Eventually I will get stable enough to get my baby home."
She wants justice for Liam and has this message for people who may be going through domestic abuse which she says she was a victim of over the years.
"If you know something or hear something, say something. Someone's probably hiding. I know was hiding a lot of stuff going on in my own house."
Preston's bond was set at $150,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 6.
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