Altoona, PA – A 34-year-old father, Robert Jenkins Jr., has been arrested nearly three years after allegedly killing his 8-week-old son by feeding him a fatal combination of alcohol and methamphetamine. Jenkins now faces multiple felony charges related to the tragic death of the infant.
Infant Found Unresponsive in Altoona Home
According to a news release from the Altoona Police Department, officers responded on September 5, 2022, to a home on the 1400 block of 3rd Avenue after a call reporting the infant in cardiac arrest. First responders found the newborn deceased at the scene.
Jenkins initially told investigators that he had placed his son on a small pillow next to him on the couch, where the baby fell asleep. Jenkins claimed he then fell asleep and awoke about an hour later to find the infant blue in color and unresponsive, at which point he called 911.
Toxicology Reveals Fatal Alcohol and Meth Dose
The Altoona Police Department stated that a preliminary investigation and autopsy initially attributed the death to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
However, after the toxicology report was returned months later, it revealed that the infant had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.149% and methamphetamine in his system. The cause of death was then officially updated to alcohol intoxication.
Investigators also discovered evidence of drug use in the home, including a residue resembling blood on the portion of the couch where the newborn allegedly slept.
Father Accused Despite Denial
Jenkins denied administering any drugs or alcohol to his son, instead claiming that the child’s mother, who was under a no-contact order, had broken into the home and poisoned the baby.
According to the Altoona Mirror, police confirmed that the mother was not near the residence at the time of the incident.
Jenkins also attempted to implicate his sister, suggesting she may have accidentally exposed the infant to drugs. Investigators later confirmed she had been drug-free for several years.
Investigation Concludes Jenkins as Sole Responsible Adult
Following a nearly three-year investigation, detectives determined that Jenkins was the only adult present in the home and the only individual capable of administering the fatal dose of alcohol and meth to the newborn.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Jenkins faces:
- Three counts of aggravated assault on a child
- One count of endangering the welfare of children
He is currently held in Blair County Prison on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 27.
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