Noah Humphus, 23, of Missouri, has been charged with child abuse and child endangerment after police say he repeatedly shook and swung his infant daughter, causing fractured ribs, a broken femur, and other injuries. According to a probable cause affidavit, Humphus told his partner the abuse was meant to “toughen” the child up. He is being held without bond at the Cole County Jail.
A Missouri father is facing serious criminal charges after police say he repeatedly abused his infant daughter over an extended period, causing multiple broken bones and injuries consistent with shaking.
How the Case Came to Light
Noah Humphus, 23, was arrested after his infant daughter was taken to a hospital last Wednesday with injuries doctors identified as consistent with child abuse, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law & Crime.
Doctors told officers from the Jefferson City Police Department that the girl had fractured ribs, a broken femur, bruising to her face and torso, and signs consistent with having been shaken. According to the affidavit, her injuries were in various stages of healing — an indication, investigators say, that the abuse had occurred over a long period of time.
What the Affidavit Alleges
According to the infant’s mother, who spoke with police, Humphus shook the child at least twice a day at their home. The affidavit states that Humphus told his partner this was how to “toughen” children, and that it was normal “to be rougher” with them.
In a police interview, Humphus reportedly admitted to shaking the baby on multiple occasions, saying it happened when she was crying and he became frustrated. Using a doll during the interview, he demonstrated a method investigators say he used — holding the child upside down and swinging her by her legs — which police believe is likely what caused her broken femur.
Humphus estimated to investigators that he had abused his daughter somewhere between 10 and 20 times, according to the affidavit.
Charges and Custody
Humphus was arrested and charged with child abuse with physical injury and child endangerment. He is currently being held without bond at the Cole County Jail and is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
