CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Father Arrested on Third‑Degree Murder Charge After 2012 Shaking Is Linked to Son’s 2024 Death

The father of a boy who suffered abusive head trauma as an infant in 2012 has been charged with third‑degree murder after the child died in 2024. An autopsy found the 11‑year‑old’s death was caused by complications of blunt force trauma to the head and neck originating in 2012. Kyle Hinkle, 38, pleaded guilty in 2012 to assault and child endangerment and served two years in county jail; a warrant for murder was issued on Nov. 24, 2025, and he was arrested in Allentown.

05:56 AM, 11/27/2025Society
Father Arrested on Third‑Degree Murder Charge After 2012 Shaking Is Linked to Son’s 2024 Death

A Bucks County father has been arrested and charged with third‑degree murder after a medical examiner concluded that severe head injuries sustained by his infant son in 2012 contributed to the child’s death in 2024.

Authorities say Kyle Hinkle, 38, of Allentown, admitted that he shook his 3‑month‑old son on Oct. 12, 2012, when he could not stop the infant’s crying and did so without supporting the baby’s head. Medical staff at the time reported bleeding on the brain and retinal hemorrhages; a CT scan showed both recent and older injuries in different stages of healing. A physician with a Child Protection Program later determined the injuries were inflicted and consistent with abusive head trauma.

The infant was transferred to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and treated in the intensive care unit. Hinkle was charged in 2012 with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and simple assault; he pleaded guilty to those counts and was sentenced to two years in county prison followed by three years of supervised parole and probation.

On Aug. 14, 2024, Pennsylvania State Police notified Bensalem Township police that the child had died in Oliver, Pa., at age 11. A Westmoreland County autopsy concluded the cause of death was complications of blunt force trauma to the head and neck that originated with the 2012 abuse.

After reviewing the autopsy and the original investigation, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office approved additional charges. District Justice Michael Gallagher signed a warrant for third‑degree murder on Nov. 24, 2025. Bensalem officers, assisted by Allentown police, arrested Hinkle at his workplace in Allentown. He was arraigned and remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of a $2 million bail.

It is unclear whether Hinkle has retained counsel or entered a plea in the new case. The investigation is ongoing.

Note: These are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Resources

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑4‑A‑Child (1‑800‑422‑4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll‑free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Similar Articles

Trending