A man who broke more than 20 bones in his infant daughter was sentenced to jail on Friday.

Richard A. Root, 21, beat his 2-month-old daughter in March because he said he was stressed and had not gotten enough sleep, according to The OshKosh Northwestern.

Root shook the 2-month-old and knelt on her legs while changing her diaper, according to court records. She suffered multiple broken bones, injuries to her face and brain bleeds, doctors said.

She was taken to the hospital where she was treated and released to a family member, according to the Northwestern.

Root was sentenced to six months in jail and seven years of probation for child neglect resulting in great bodily harm. He is also supposed to undergo counseling.

About the Author

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com