Baby critical after skull broken, father charged

NEWS UPDATE

PORT RICHEY -- A 22-year-old man is in jail on a charge of aggravated child abuse after his 6-week-old son suffered a fractured skull and a bruised, swollen scrotum, authorities said.

Max Mancero, of 5446 Quist Drive, Port Richey, was alone in the house with the baby when the injury occurred Sept. 10, according to Sgt. Don Young of the Port Richey Police Department. Relatives took the boy to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, where doctors notified child welfare officials.

Mancero told police that the baby rolled off the bed onto the floor, a report says.

But a doctor at All Children's Hospital told a Port Richey police detective that a "high-velocity impact" appeared to have caused the infant's injuries.

In essence, Sgt. Young said, Mancero's story failed to explain the severity of the boy's injuries.

Mancero was booked in Pasco County on Monday and is being held without bail at the Land O'Lakes jail.

The baby, who was born prematurely, was listed in critical condition Monday, Young said.

Could this become a homicide case?

"Very good chance," Young said.

Thomas Lake, Times staff writer