On September 4, 2022, Delaware State Police responded to a residence in Meadowbrook Acres in Magnolia, Delaware, where a 3-month-old infant boy was found deceased in his crib. The ensuing investigation determined the death was a homicide, and that the child's father, 27-year-old Keith Rawding, had caused lethal trauma to his infant son on September 3, 2022. Rawding was arrested on September 8, 2022, and charged with Murder by Abuse or Neglect First Degree. He was held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,000,000 cash bond.
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 Delaware State Police press release states that "the victim's father, identified as Keith Rawding, had caused lethal trauma to his infant son on September 3, 2022." The term "caused lethal trauma" indicates inflicted physical injury, though no specific mechanism (e.g., shaking, striking) is described.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
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?
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 press release explicitly identifies the perpetrator as "the victim's father, identified as Keith Rawding," stating he "had caused lethal trauma to his infant son on September 3, 2022." The text refers to the parents of the child, and Rawding is identified as the father, indicating he is the biological father.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
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)?
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 press release states: "detectives from the Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit arrested Rawding and charged him with Murder by Abuse or Neglect First Degree. Rawding was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,000,000 cash bond."
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?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
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