Video Allegedly Shows Virginia Father Throwing 4-Month-Old Baby and Covering Its Mouth

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
February 19, 2025
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7 minutes read

(West Virginia Division Corrections and Rehabilitation).

A 19-year-old West Virginia man, Jeremiah Burkhammer, has been arrested after a disturbing video surfaced showing him allegedly mistreating a 4-month-old baby in an “aggressive manner.” The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office took Burkhammer into custody on February 13 following a criminal complaint filed by the baby’s grandmother, who brought the video to the attention of West Virginia State Police.

The complaint alleges that the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, beginning at 1:45 a.m. Burkhammer was reportedly attempting to get the baby to sleep when he was seen picking up the infant improperly—without supporting the baby’s head or neck—and slamming the child down in a way that caused the baby’s head and neck to “rock back and forth violently.”

The video further captures Burkhammer allegedly yanking a pillow away from the baby after the infant rolled onto it, shouting, “You’re p—ing me the f— off.” He is then accused of picking the baby up again and throwing the child back onto the pillow, told Law and Crime.

Approximately 17 minutes later, Burkhammer is reportedly heard yelling, “Take the freaking bottle,” at the crying baby. The complaint states that he smacked the baby on the chest and, at one point, covered the infant’s mouth with his hand for 28 seconds while saying, “Breathe out your nose, not your mouth.” During this time, the baby can be seen flailing and heard crying.

Burkhammer faces serious charges, including one count of gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, and one count of strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation. He is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $225,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 21, where further details of the case are expected to be presented. The arrest has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for justice for the infant. Authorities have emphasized the importance of reporting child abuse and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.