Underwood man, 28, found guilty in 4-year-old son's death
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Jurors in southern Indiana have convicted an Underwood man of battery and neglect in the death of his 4-year-old son.
The News and Tribune (http://bit.ly/2dq91Qj ) reported that 28-year-old Christopher Bruck was found guilty on both charges on Monday. Bruck faces up to 80 years in prison for his crimes.
"I can tell you as law enforcement, as prosecutors, there is nothing more gratifying than getting justice for a dead child," said Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull.
Authorities said the boy died of serious head injury after Bruck struck his son on the forehead with his palm and waited 30 minutes before calling for assistance in January 2015.
The 4-year-old was taken to Scott County hospital where a doctor said the boy's injuries were consistent with signs of child abuse. He was later transferred to Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, where he died during surgery. Doctors said the boy suffered bleeding in the brain.
Bruck denied abusing his son to authorities but later admitted to causing the injuries.
The defendant's attorney Mitchele Harlan said his client might not have injured the child, arguing that bleeding in the brain could be caused by falls, viruses and blood conditions. Harlan said he would appeal the case as soon as the sentencing is completed.
Bruck has been held in Clark County jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
He will be sentenced at a Nov. 7 court hearing.
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Information from: News and Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind., http://www.newsandtribune.com