Nine-month-old Lochlan Steffes died on July 8, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after sustaining fatal head injuries while in the care of Anthoni J. Cirra, a 25-year-old family friend who had volunteered to babysit while the parents were at work on July 6. When the parents were picked up from work around 4:30 p.m., the mother noticed the baby's labored breathing and a new bruise on his arm. Over the ensuing hours, the baby became increasingly lethargic, non-responsive, and intermittently stopped breathing, but Cirra dissuaded the mother from seeking medical care, telling her she was overreacting. By approximately 5:30 a.m. the next morning, the baby was found pale, with blue lips and not breathing; CPR was performed and 911 was called. The baby was transported to Children's Hospital where he was found to have subdural bleeding on the brain and bilateral optic nerve hemorrhaging consistent with blunt force trauma to the head. He was removed from life support on July 8 after brain death examinations showed no brain activity. Cirra was charged with first-degree reckless homicide, neglecting a child (consequence is death), and felony bail jumping.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states the autopsy confirmed injuries "consistent with sustaining blunt force trauma to the head" and that the injuries were "highly concerning for child physical abuse." A new bruise was observed on the baby's right arm, and the baby suffered "subudural bleeding on the brain and bilateral optic nerve hemorrhaging." Additionally, Cirra admitted "I made a mistake" and "this is my fault."
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
The news article explicitly describes medical neglect. Despite the baby's severely deteriorating condition over many hours, "despite Steffes' deteriorating condition, nobody sought medical care, and instead, they continued to hang out until 2:30 a.m." Additionally, "the mother wanted to take Steffes to the hospital, but Cirra told her she was overreacting." The baby showed alarming signs including labored breathing, lethargy, non-responsiveness, and vomiting, yet no medical care was sought for approximately 13 hours. Cirra was also charged with "neglecting a child (consequence is death)."
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
While the specific terms "shaken baby syndrome" or "abusive head trauma" are not used, the described injuries — "subudural bleeding on the brain and bilateral optic nerve hemorrhaging" combined with a "significant brain injury" — are the classic constellation of findings associated with abusive head trauma. The article further notes these injuries are "consistent with sustaining blunt force trauma to the head" and were "highly concerning for child physical abuse."
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The article states "MPD arrested three people in connection to the death, including Cirra." The father was present from approximately 5 p.m. onward and observed the baby's deteriorating condition — "from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Steffes never opened his eyes" and the "mother told him Steffes stopped breathing for over a half-minute" — yet did not seek medical care. While his specific charges are not detailed, his arrest in connection to the death and his failure to seek medical care imply his involvement.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The article states "MPD arrested three people in connection to the death, including Cirra." The mother was present and observed Steffes' deteriorating condition throughout the evening — labored breathing, lethargy, non-responsiveness, vomiting, and periods of apparent cessation of breathing. Although she "wanted to take Steffes to the hospital," she was dissuaded by Cirra and ultimately did not seek medical care until many hours later. "Despite Steffes' deteriorating condition, nobody sought medical care, and instead, they continued to hang out until 2:30 a.m." Her involvement through delayed medical care and likely arrest imply her role.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
The article states that "On July 6, Cirra was off of work and volunteered to watch the baby while the parents were at work." Cirra functioned as a babysitter, caring for the nine-month-old while the parents were away. The injuries were sustained while the baby was in Cirra's care.
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
The article identifies Cirra as a male friend of the family: the parents "met Cirra through a mutual friend. Cirra helped the two get jobs at his place of employment." He is not a biological parent but a friend who was caring for the child. He was charged with first-degree reckless homicide and neglecting a child (consequence is death) in connection with the baby's death.
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The article states Cirra "has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide, neglecting a child (consequence is death), and felony bail jumping." Additionally, "MPD arrested three people in connection to the death, including Cirra."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
The article states "Cirra is a convicted felon with prior convictions in Waukesha and Walworth counties." These prior convictions are separate from the current charges arising from this child's death. Additionally, the felony bail jumping charge indicates he was out on bail for a prior offense at the time of this incident.
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The article notes that Cirra was charged with felony bail jumping in addition to homicide and neglect charges, indicating he was already on bail for a prior felony at the time he was entrusted with the care of a nine-month-old baby. This detail highlights a systemic concern about how a convicted felon who was out on bail came to be in a caregiving role. Additionally, MPD arrested three people in connection with the death, but only Cirra's charges are detailed in the article, leaving the disposition of the other two individuals (likely the parents) unclear.
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