San Antonio, Texas – A Texas man is facing new scrutiny after authorities say he beat a 9-month-old girl to death and then tried to mislead detectives by giving a fake name. Investigators later discovered he was already wanted in connection with another toddler’s fatal injuries from several years earlier. Rick P. Artis, 31, is now charged with injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury and remains in custody on a $1 million bond.
Infant found unresponsive and “cold and stiff,” investigators say
Police and EMS crews rushed to an apartment in the 6100 block of Ingram Road on the morning of Jan. 25 after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant. Medics found the 9-month-old girl inside a crib and pronounced her dead at the scene. Responding officers noted that the child showed no immediate external signs of abuse.
According to detectives, Artis initially identified himself as “Eric Artis” and claimed he woke around 10 a.m., went to the kitchen to make a bottle, and then discovered the baby wasn’t breathing. He allegedly told officers he panicked and woke the child’s mother. Artis insisted the baby had been acting normally before bedtime the night before.
The mother told police she left Artis caring for her three children the previous evening. When she returned just before midnight, she said the baby was awake, smiling, and standing in her crib. After taking a shower, she found the infant asleep. She and Artis reportedly went to bed around 3 a.m. The next morning, she was jolted awake by Artis in a panic and found the child “cold and stiff.”
Autopsy contradicts early assessments
Two days after the child’s death, the medical examiner’s findings dramatically shifted the investigation. The autopsy revealed a significant skull fracture caused by blunt-force trauma, ruling out any accidental injury. The death was officially classified as a homicide.
Detectives brought the mother and Artis back to headquarters on Jan. 29 for further questioning. Before the meeting, investigators discovered that “Eric Artis” was not the man’s real name. Records showed Rick P. Artis had an outstanding warrant tied to a 2018 child-injury case involving a 17-month-old who later died from a fractured skull in 2020.
Prior toddler death re-emerges in investigation
In the earlier case, police say the toddler suffered fatal head injuries consistent with being struck. The case initially stalled when a key witness became unavailable and charges were dismissed. It was later reopened, and Artis now faces a separate injury-to-a-child charge connected to that incident.
When detectives confronted Artis about the false name and the active warrant, he declined to answer further questions without a lawyer.
Investigators say Artis contacted a paralegal before 911 call
As detectives reviewed timelines and digital records, they uncovered additional red flags. According to investigators, Artis communicated with a paralegal roughly 30 minutes before he claimed to have found the infant unresponsive. He also exchanged messages with another acquaintance about the child’s death before notifying the mother or calling 911.
These findings deepened concerns about the true sequence of events leading up to the baby’s fatal injuries.
Arrest and ongoing legal proceedings
Artis was taken into custody and booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. He is currently held on a $1 million bond, according to court records.
Authorities say the case highlights the complexities of child-injury investigations, especially when initial appearances suggest no obvious physical trauma. Child-abuse cases involving infants often rely heavily on medical examinations, timelines, and digital communications to reconstruct what happened.
Community context and child-safety concerns
Child-abuse deaths involving infants and toddlers remain among the most challenging cases for law enforcement and forensic teams. Medical experts frequently emphasize that severe head trauma in babies rarely occurs accidentally. Blunt-force injuries, skull fractures, or injuries inconsistent with a caregiver’s explanation are key indicators prompting deeper investigation.
Local advocates stress the importance of early reporting when caregivers or relatives notice unusual behavior, injuries, or unstable individuals caring for children. Swift reporting can be critical in preventing repeat harm, especially when a person has a documented history of violence toward children.
What happens next
Prosecutors are expected to review both the new case and the revived 2018 case together as they prepare for upcoming court hearings. Additional charges may be considered as investigators continue analyzing messages, interviews, timelines, and forensic evidence.
Anyone with concerns about child welfare in San Antonio can contact local law enforcement or Child Protective Services for guidance on reporting suspected abuse.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to child-safety awareness and reporting in the comments.
