FERNANDINA BEACH, FL – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a serious child abuse case after a 6-month-old infant was hospitalized with a broken femur.
Jasper Griffin Shick, 34, has been charged with aggravated child abuse and making false statements to investigators. Sarah Anne Rediker, 36, faces a charge of child neglect.
Medical staff alerted authorities Monday night after the infant required surgery for significant injuries. Detectives spoke with the child’s grandmother, who allowed them into her Fernandina Beach home, where the victim and the suspects reside.
Investigators reported seeing the baby’s crib inside a closet, empty alcohol cans throughout the bedroom, and marijuana-related items, including bongs, loose marijuana, camping propane tanks, and small torches, all within the infant’s reach.
According to the investigation, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. during an attempt to change the baby’s diaper while the child was fussy from teething. Shick allegedly squeezed the infant forcefully, causing injury, and the suspects did not call 911 until the child’s grandmother returned home after 10 p.m. Investigators also noted the child’s father had consumed alcohol and marijuana prior to the incident.
Sheriff Bill Leeper said, “It’s heartbreaking to see this kind of abuse inflicted on a defenseless baby. Protecting children, especially at this most vulnerable age, is my top priority.”
Shick and Rediker were booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center on bonds exceeding $75,000 and $50,000, respectively. The investigation remains ongoing.
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