UPDATE: The Dover Police Department has charged Edjuan Blackshear with Murder by Abuse or Neglect 1st Degree in the death of a 1-year-old child in his care. Blackshear, who was committed to SCI in default of bond on charges stemming from his January 2nd arrest, was arraigned via video phone, Justice of the Peace Court #2, on the new charge and was issued an additional $101,000 Cash Bond.
Original Story
Just after 12:30 Wednesday afternoon, January 2, 2019, the Dover Police Department responded to an apartment in the 800 Block of Woodcrest Drive for a call reporting that a one-year-old child was not breathing, according to M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer.
The child was quickly transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital by medical personnel and later transported to A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital. During the investigation, it was learned that the child suffered multiple serious injuries to the head, torso, and internal injuries, according to Hoffman.
Edjuan Blackshear, 28, was responsible for the child’s care at the time of the incident and was taken into custody without incident, said Hoffman.
Blackshear was charged on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2018 with Child Abuse and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Blackshear was committed to SCI in default of $101,000 cash bond on those charges.
On Thursday, January 3rd, at approximately 12:35 am, the child succumbed to his injuries while at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital. Detective’s from the Dover Police Department are in the process of gathering further information and working with the Delaware Office of the Attorney General.
Additional charges are expected and will be released at a later time, said Hoffman.