Fayette County authorities on Tuesday charged a 22-year-old man with murder in connection with the death of a 5-month-old boy he was babysitting.
Steven Anthony Haire of Franklin previously had been charged with first-degree cruelty to children.
The baby died Friday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
Haire was watching the baby, Zachery Freeman, on Feb. 21 in a north Fayette County home on West Lane, according to the Sheriff's Office, which described Haire as a family friend.
Haire told deputies that Zachery stopped breathing after he laid him down with a bottle for a nap, the Sheriff's Office said.
Emergency workers performed CPR on Zachery, who was rushed to Piedmont Fayette Hospital and later airlifted to Children's. Zachery was placed on life support upon arrival at Children's. On Friday, he was taken off life support and pronounced dead at 7 p.m.
After consulting with doctors, investigators determined Zachery's injuries were not consistent with Haire's statements. The Sheriff's Office would not specify the injuries.
Haire is being held without bond in the Fayette County Jail.
About the Author
