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EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Criminal charges have been filed against an Eagle Mountain father accused of abusing his 2-month-old twins, leaving one with life-threatening injuries.
Brandon Lee Pitcher, 35, was charged Thursday in 4th District Court with three counts of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony.
On Dec. 11, Pitcher's wife brought their 2-month-old daughter to a hospital in Lehi because she was "unresponsive," according to charging documents.
"(The infant) was immediately flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake because of the severity of her injuries. (She) had suffered an extensive subdural hemorrhage that has caused serious brain damage. (She) continues having almost constant seizures and may not survive," the charges state.
The girl's twin brother was then checked out and doctors found "three healing rib fractures on (the girl) and four healing rib fractures on (the boy). On each infant, the fractures were at least two weeks old," according to the charges.
When questioned by police, Pitcher said "all injuries to the infants were '100 percent (his) fault," and explained how he becomes frustrated when the children cry or are fussy, the charges allege.
The wife told investigators that when Pitcher "gets stressed or overwhelmed with the babies (he) treats them roughly. She has told (Pitcher) in the past that he should try therapy or counseling, but he declined."
Prosecutors note in the court documents if the girl survives, "she will have severe brain damage and permanent, significant deficits to her quality of life."
