Coatesville police say 44-year-old Michael Phillips has been charged after authorities allege he stabbed his three-month-old son and threw the infant into the snow on Feb. 11. The mother told investigators Phillips had spoken earlier about needing to "sacrifice" the baby before the attack; she and her 9-year-old fled outside, where the infant was allegedly taken and tossed into the snow. First responders flew the child to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed as "critical but stable." Phillips was arraigned on Feb. 12 and is being held without bond on multiple charges, including attempted homicide and aggravated assault.
‘Quiet, Nice’ Father Charged After Allegedly Stabbing 3-Month-Old and Throwing Infant Into Snow
Michael PhillipsNBC10 Philadelphia
A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he stabbed his three-month-old son and then threw the infant into the snow, leaving the baby in very serious condition.
What Happened
Police were called to an apartment complex in Coatesville, in southeastern Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at about 11:36 a.m., following reports of a stabbing. Officers who arrived at the scene found an infant with an apparent abdominal stab wound. According to a joint news release from the Coatesville Police Department and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, first responders quickly transported the child to a local hospital and then flew the infant to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Allegations and Arrest
The child’s mother told investigators that the baby’s father, identified as 44-year-old Michael Phillips, had earlier said he needed to “sacrifice” the infant before allegedly attacking the child with a knife. The mother said she grabbed the baby and ran outside with her 9-year-old son. She told police that Phillips followed them, took the infant from her arms and threw him into the snow. She said she used her body to shield the infant while the older child sought help.
Medical Condition
The Coatesville Police Department said the infant was initially described as in “very serious condition” and was flown to CHOP. A Feb. 12 update said the baby was listed as “critical but stable.”
Charges and Custody
Phillips was arraigned on Feb. 12 and faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bond at Chester County Prison, according to police.
Community Reaction and Reporting
Neighbors described the household as a quiet family and said they were stunned by the alleged attack. “He’s always been a quiet, nice guy,” neighbor Edward Rivers told NBC10 Philadelphia. Another resident, Robert Boyd, said he had spoken with Phillips minutes earlier and noticed nothing unusual. Neighbor Danielle Gray described the family as “a good family,” noting the mother (identified by neighbors as Dominique) has two older sons and that the baby was about three months old.
Note: The allegations above are from police statements and neighbor accounts. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
People and NBC10 Philadelphia reported on the case. Representatives from the Coatesville Police Department and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment. It was not immediately clear whether Phillips had secured legal representation.
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