FREDERICK MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2023
Frederick, MD – Last night in Frederick County Circuit Court, Jesse Cook, age 45, of Frederick was convicted by a jury of one count of first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13 years old and two counts of second-degree child abuse.
On June 17, 2020, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to an infant in cardiac arrest at 5305 Kingsbrook Drive in Frederick, MD. The infant was transported to Frederick Health Hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased by medical staff approximately one hour later. Child Protective Services was immediately notified. An autopsy revealed multiple injuries on the infant’s body consistent with non-accidental trauma, including approximately 20 healing broken ribs, a prior abdominal injury, and a new abdominal injury that ultimately led to the infant’s death at just one month and twenty-six days old. The Medical Examiner determined that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and ruled the infant’s death a homicide. Through investigation by detectives with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, it was learned that the child’s father had sent numerous concerning text messages and searched numerous concerning subjects related to the infant child. Witnesses also reported that the defendant had been “rough” with the child during the child’s short life.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “These are the cases that keep you up at night realizing what some people are capable of. This poor baby knew nothing but hate and abuse in this world. Jesse Cook is the reason we have prisons, and we will do everything within our power to make sure he is in one for many, many years.”
The sentencing date is yet to be determined.
The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Cook was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and State’s Attorney’s Office. The State was represented by Chief Prosecutor of the Special Victims’ Unit, Tammy Leache and SVU Prosecutor Lindsey Carpenter.
Press Contact:
Jacqueline Rottmann
Communications Specialist
301-600-2972
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