A Hamilton Township man has been indicted in the death of his 4 month-old son, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
Officials said on May 3rd, an Atlantic County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against Jose Rojas, 35, for the following charges:
* First degree Aggravated Manslaughter
* Second degree Aggravated Assault
* Second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
According to authorities, on Jan. 29th Hamilton Township Police responded to 6023 Hoover Drive, Mays Landing, for a report of an unresponsive child.
Upon arrival, a 4-month-old boy was found with no pulse and he was transported to AtlantiCare Mainland Division. Due to the critical nature of the child’s injuries he was later transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After almost a week in the hospital the child succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 4th.
An investigation showed that Rojas was home alone with his three young children. Rojas told police that the child rolled off the bed, which was approximately two feet high. However, doctors at CHOP stated that the injuries were so significant that a fall could have only caused them if it was at least 30 feet.
Officials said doctors from CHOP stated that the child suffered hemorrhages in both eyes that were too numerous to count the number. The pattern of hemorrhages was consistent with severe trauma, specifically abusive head trauma, doctors said.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/.
These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.