Police: Mother's boyfriend charged with murder after infant dies

NEWTON, N.C. — Police in Newton charged a man with murder after he was accused of causing "horrific trauma" to his girlfriend's 7-month-old son which ultimately led to the infant's death Thursday.

Officers said they responded to 711-E Sandalwood Court Dec. 31 to assist EMS on a call. They said when they got there they were told that the boy was found not breathing by his mother's boyfriend, Tyler Linebarger.

The child was rushed to Catawba Valley Medical Center for treatment.

According to the arrest warrant, the 7-month-old had multiple internal injuries, bruises and broken ribs before dying at the hospital Thursday night.

Linebarger, 23, told officers that the child was lying on the sofa asleep and that he went upstairs to take a shower. He then told police that when he came back downstairs the child was lying on the floor.

Police said Linebarger told them that he picked up the child and placed him back on the sofa and went back upstairs.

When Linebarger returned downstairs, he said he noticed the child blue and not breathing. He then said he went to a neighbor's apartment to call 911.

The child's mother told officers that she last saw her son at 5:40 a.m. when she left for work and he was fine.

Officers and DSS officials went to the hospital and learned that an examination of the boy at Catawba Valley Medical Center revealed recent and past injuries that were severe in nature. Police said the child was transported to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte for treatment and was immediately taken for surgery upon arrival. The child later died from the injuries.

Doctors told investigators that they discovered the child had severe internal injuries located in various parts of the body that were a direct result of "horrific trauma." Doctors also said that the boy had several older injuries that were in various stages of healing.

Police said they are looking at whether there was any abuse involving a 2-year-old sister who also lived in the home.
          
Officers spoke Friday about the difficulties of investigating this case. 

"Being so close to the holidays and with officers having small children close to the same age or any child, anytime you investigate a case involving a child or young person it hits close to home," said Capt. Tim Hayes with Newton Police.

Investigators returned to Newton and located Linebarger through his mother, who said she would try to locate him and bring him to Newton Police Headquarters to speak with investigators. After a few hours, Linebarger arrived with his mother but refused to speak with investigators without counsel present, according to police.

On Thursday, police arrested and charged Linebarger with one count of felony child abuse-inflicting serious injury. After the child died, police charged him with murder.

He was transported to the Catawba County Detention Center to appear before a magistrate and is being held under no bond.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• CMPD: 1 dead, 2 hospitalized in southwest Charlotte shooting
• Firefighters battle 3-alarm business fire in SW Charlotte
• The best and worst foods to cure a hangover
• Son of 72-year-old woman tied up and beaten wants justice
• Thousands pack uptown for New Year's Eve celebrations

WSOC