An Iowa man already in jail for allegedly assaulting his infant daughter could now face upgraded charges after the baby died from her injuries.
Infant’s Death Confirmed
Dylan James Brown, 23, was arrested on August 7 after deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to his home for a call about a 2-month-old baby who wasn’t breathing.
Doctors later discovered the baby had a brain bleed, broken bones, and injuries consistent with being struck more than 40 times “with as much force as he could.” She suffered a stroke and was placed on life support. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the baby had died.
Violence Against the Baby’s Mother
The same night, Brown allegedly attacked the baby’s mother. According to court documents, she woke up to the sound of Brown “hitting the baby” and tried to intervene. Brown then allegedly struck her and chased her out of the room.
The complaint says he grabbed her in a “bear hug” chokehold from behind and strangled her until she passed out.
Original Charges Against Brown
After his arrest, Brown was charged with:
Child endangerment
Domestic abuse assault impeding air or blood flow
Two counts of willful injury causing serious injury
He has been held at the Polk County Jail on a $250,000 bond since August 7.
New Charges Likely
With the baby’s death, investigators are now working with the Polk County Attorney’s Office to consider additional charges, which could include homicide.
This heartbreaking case has shocked Iowa and raised questions about child safety and domestic violence. What started as charges for child endangerment and assault may now become a murder case, as prosecutors weigh harsher charges against Dylan Brown following the tragic death of his 2-month-old daughter.
