Tecumseh Father Faces Murder Charge In 3-Month-Old's Brutal Death

A father has been arrested in the death of his three-month-old baby, according to court documents filed in Pottawatomie County.

Friday, January 7th 2011, 9:18 pm

By: News 9


Dana Hertneky, News 9

TECUMSEH, Oklahoma – A father has been arrested in the death of his three-month-old baby, according to court documents filed in Pottawatomie County.

Court papers say the baby had a skull fracture, both tibias fractured and a femur fracture. Prosecutors say it was the result of being hit in the head.

"We see many, many things, but when it's a child laying on a steel table in the M.E.'s office it should never happen," said Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon.

Steven Howard Trammell is now in jail facing a first-degree murder charge in his daughter's death.

Tecumseh Police Deputy Chief J.R. Kidney said investigators believe the baby was injured while its mother was out buying diapers Thursday night. Investigators said when she got back the father was using a suction bulb trying to suck something out the baby's mouth.

The parents drove the infant to Unity Hospital in Shawnee and she was rushed to Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Doctors there called police.

"When we met with the doctors of Children's Hospital they were advising us of severe injuries to the head, possibly some leg injuries," said Deputy Chief Kidney.

"Dr. Steumky, who is an expert in this field, has ruled that it is no doubt child abuse in some form," said Smothermon.

Trammell was arrested Thursday night on child abuse charges. Police say the baby died hours later and now Trammell will face murder charges.

Trammell is being held without bond. Prosecutors anticipate filing a first-degree murder charge by the middle of next week. Trammell is expected to be in court on Friday.

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