Local arrested, charged with assault of baby

By Matt Elofson, Media General News Service
Published: May 6, 2008

A month-long investigation into the severe injuries suffered by an eight-week old Eufaula baby resulted in the arrest of the child’s father by Barbour County Sheriff’s investigators.

Investigator Sgt. David Morris arrested 26-year-old William Edd Walker Jr. Tuesday morning after he confessed to repeatedly shaking the baby after it wouldn’t stop crying, Morris said.
Morris said the assault left the baby boy blind. Doctors also told Morris the baby would likely be mentally retarded or suffer from cerebral palsy as it grows older.

Walker was charged with first-degree assault. He is being held in the Barbour County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

Walker was not the child’s biological father, but was listed as the child’s father on the birth certificate.

Officials at an area hospital reported the child’s injuries to the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office on April 8. The child’s mother was at work when the boy was assaulted, Morris said.

“He became irritated with the child crying,” Morris said. “He stated he shook the baby, and asked him why he won’t stop crying.”

Matt Elofson is a reporter for the Dothan Eagle.