A Queensland man has been charged with torturing and murdering a four-month-old baby boy, with police alleging the infant was shaken before his death.
Alexander James Young, 22, from Kalkie, was arrested over the weekend, more than two years after the child’s death. The investigation was described as meticulous and challenging by authorities.
The infant was initially taken to Bundaberg Hospital on February 24, 2024, before being airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital due to his injuries. Hospital staff alerted authorities, and the baby died on March 3.
Detective Inspector Wade Lee stated on Monday that police will rely on medical evidence to allege the child suffered injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, a form of abusive head trauma. Violent shaking can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to torn blood vessels and nerves, catastrophic bleeding, swelling, and potentially fatal damage.
Police confirmed that Young and the child knew each other and indicated the case involved domestic violence allegations, though further details were not provided.
Footage showed officers arresting Young at a Bundaberg West home. He was expected to face Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday, with bail anticipated to be opposed.
