Connellsville couple charged with causing 13 fractures to 3-month-old boy
A Connellsville couple is facing dozens of felony charges for allegedly causing at least 13 fractures to their 3-month-old son.
State police said John Thomas Clark, 28, and Tiffany L. Clark, 31, of Isabella Road Extension could only provide any explanation for the baby’s most recent injury, a broken arm.
The couple took the baby to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh May 29 after noticing the baby’s arm was “drooping.” Medical staff gave the baby a skeletal scan, which revealed he suffered a fractured left humerus with mild displacement, in addition to several other fractures at varied stages of healing, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Medical records annotated by state police said the baby had healing fractures to two of his upper ribs and four of his lower ribs, both of his feet, his left shin bone and his right radial shaft, a part of the lower arm. There were multiple other possible fractures noted in the X-ray and 13 definitive fractures identified.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, Tiffany Clark told police she was upstairs getting ready for two medical appointments at about 10:30 a.m. May 29 when John Clark was dressing the baby on a chaise lounge portion of the couch. She claimed the baby “scooted” himself off the couch with his legs and fell on the floor. The couple put the baby in a car seat and went to medical appointments. While she was at a physical therapy appointment at about 3:30 p.m., she said the baby became “fussy.” She noticed the baby’s arm was “drooping” and they contacted a doctor, who said to take the baby to the hospital.
John Clark offered police a very similar account, saying the baby dragged himself off the couch with his feet when he turned away to get clothing. He said the baby’s arm was “hanging” when he took him out of the car seat.
Neither person offered any explanation for the other injuries. They said the baby is always in their care, or in the care of Tiffany Clark’s mother, who is not facing charges.
They are both charged with 13 counts each of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Charges were filed Friday before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr. Arraignment information was not listed.