An Augusta father remained in jail this weekend for violently shaking his newborn daughter and causing life-threatening injuries to his pet Chihuahua, authorities said.
Khalil Tiquan Baskett, 20, was charged earlier this month with aggravated assault and first-degree child abuse.
The 5-week-old baby girl was admitted to the hospital on March 11, and X-rays revealed severe injuries, including bleeding in the brain, multiple rib fractures, and a fractured collarbone. Dr. Renuka Mehta refuted Baskett's original claim that her injuries were caused by a Chihuahua falling on top of her baby.
Baskett provided investigators with contradictory statements and admitted to leaving the newborn baby in a baby swing while he was running personal errands. He claimed that while he was away, his 25-pound Chihuahua accidentally jumped on the baby, causing injuries to his face and chest. However, Baskett did not seek medical help after the incident, despite noticing subsequent symptoms, according to the sheriff's report.
The girl's mother, Hannah Nichols, was not at the scene of the incident, but said she noticed her daughter's health was deteriorating several days later. She told officers she consulted her child's pediatrician for advice on managing her symptoms. Eventually, she was rushed to the emergency room with the help of the child's grandmother.
Upon receipt of the report, the Sheriff's Office was notified and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) immediately responded.
An update on the child's condition was not immediately available, but authorities said she was initially hospitalized in critical condition. Mr. Baskett remained in the Charles B. Webster Detention Center Sunday without bail.
