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February 13, 2007

Man accused of beating toddler facing more charges

By Debbie Wachter Morris

A man accused of brutally beating an infant and toddler allegedly refused to let their mother seek hospital treatment.

State police said that Samuel Eugene Whisel, 26, of 409 Rear Kino Road, Washington Township, made his live-in girlfriend wait two days before she was allowed to seek hospital treatment for her 18-month-old daughter’s two broken arms and severe facial and thigh bruises.

The infant’s 3-year-old brother suffered more extensive injuries, including a fractured skull and internal injuries.

Lawrence County District Attorney John Bongivengo said yesterday the state police intend to charge Whisel with attempted homicide in connection with the boy’s injuries. Whisel was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and endangering the welfare of children.

The two children are recovering in Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to Trooper James Vascetti, who filed the initial charges.

Once troopers conclude their investigation, it’s possible the children’s mother also could be charged with reckless endangerment. That determination will be made later, Bongivengo said.

According to police, the baby was injured Feb. 4, but her mother didn’t take her to Grove City Hospital until Tuesday. She told police Whisel would not let her seek medical treatment for her daughter.

The hospital determined the girl’s injuries were so severe that she should be transferred to Children’s Hospital.

Medical personnel there advised the mother that her child had two breaks in each arm, and the left arm injury was more acute, meaning a large amount of force caused the injury, police said.

A child advocacy specialist in Allegheny County contacted the state police in New Castle.

A trooper who interviewed the mother at the hospital Wednesday learned the incident had occurred around 10 p.m. two days earlier.

The mother told police the baby was crying, and Whisel went into her bedroom and yelled at her. He then went back to bed. The next day, the mother noticed the baby’s left arm was extremely swollen and told Whisel she thought the child’s arms were broken.

She said Whisel apologized but would not let her take the baby for treatment, she told police in a written statement.

Troopers and Lawrence County Children and Youth Services caseworkers visited the family’s home around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, where they found the baby’s brother with extensive injuries to his head and back.

They took him to Jameson Hospital and he was transferred to Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with two skull fractures, liver lacerations, kidney and pancreas trauma and extensive bodily bruising, police said. Police learned a skull fracture in the back of his head was so acute that it was caused by excessive force.

Police said Whisel on Tuesday denied any involvement and said he never struck the children. He said the infant fell from a six-inch stool and was injured. He said the boy fell while walking up the porch steps around 5 p.m. that day.

Whisel told police that he and the children’s mother were the only ones around when the daughter was injured, and that he was the only person present when the boy was hurt.

A neighbor told police the 3-year-old had been at her house Tuesday and had no visible signs of injury when Whisel picked him up there 5 p.m.

Although police do not suspect drugs or alcohol in the incident, Whisel has previous drug-related convictions in Butler County.

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