Schuylkill County Man Accused of Shaking Crying Infant

A Schuylkill County man is accused of shaking an Ashland infant to get them to stop crying.

According to court documents filed by State Police-Frackville, a ChildLine report of suspected child abuse and neglect was filed on March 7 by a mandated reporter.

Police say that an infant, less than one month old, was brought to the emergency room of Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital near Orwigsburg by their mother on March 5. The baby was suffering from several head and brain injuries caused by being shaken, a report from the hospital notes.

After being stabilized, the infant was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where they remain under their care.

Records from CHOP obtained by police reportedly show that the infant suffers from brain hemorrhaging, consistent seizures, fractured ribs, and a spinal injury.

On March 19, police say they interviewed the infant’s mother. She reportedly told police that she leaves the house three days a week for an appointment, and on the day of March 5, she left her baby under the care of Nicholas Ganunis, 28, of Ashland.

When she got home from her appointment, the mother told police that her baby’s right arm was shaking, their tongue was contorting, and they refused to eat. That’s when she took her baby to the hospital.

On March 19, police say they interviewed Ganunis at the PSP-Frackville barracks. During his interview, police say Ganunis provided several explanations for the baby’s injuries. At first, he said a dog jumped on the baby. Then he said the baby hit their head on a crib and also said he fell while climbing the stairs with the baby in hand and the baby hit their head.

Eventually, police say, Ganunis admitted that he became frustrated by the baby’s crying and shook them. He said the baby’s head moved back and forth five times before the crying stopped.

Police have charged Ganunis with aggravated assault of a victim less than 13 years of age, a first-degree felony; endangering the welfare of children, a third-degree felony; simple assault; and reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors.

Ganunis was arraigned Monday morning before District Magistrate Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $100,000, which hasn’t been posted. He was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for April 16.

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...