A Bronx father charged in connection with the death of his infant son admitted Wednesday that he threw his one-month-old son — who later died from severe head trauma — to the ground in anger after the child hit his head while he was trying to fold a stroller.

Christian Rodriguez, 24, is facing several counts of assault in connection to the death of his son, Aiden Rodriguez.

 

Investigators said they were called to Lincoln Hospital just before midnight Tuesday to investigate a possible child abuse incident.

Officers were later informed that medical crews responded to the Mill Brook Houses in Mott Haven and took Aiden to a local hospital. He was listed in serious condition at the hospital. Aiden was transferred to a second hospital, where he later died.

A criminal complaint in the case includes a statement from Rodriguez himself saying the baby first hit his head while Rodriguez was trying to fold a stroller.

He goes on to say, "I accidentally bashed Aiden's head against the door and he wouldn't stop crying. I got angry and threw Aiden to the ground face-first. I got frustrated and threw him to the ground."

On Wednesday evening, the city's medical examiner ruled Aiden's death a homicide caused by Abusive Head Trauma.  The criminal complaint said Aiden suffered injuries that include several fractures to his skull and a hemorrhage. The child's father's charges may be upgraded to reflect the homicide determination.

Another child lives in the Rodriguez home. The Administration for Children's Services says it has taken steps to secure that child's safety.

The suspect's estranged wife, Ciara Rodriguez, who spoke exclusively with NY1 on Wednesday evening, said Rodriguez was involved in a similar incident involving her own daughter.

"They said it's something similar in regards to what happened to your daughter. So when I found out about Aiden, I literally parked my car in the middle of the highway and threw up and cried because my heart just ripped into pieces. Like if it was déjà vu," she said, describing the moment police told her about Aiden's death.

Rodriguez is being held on bail and is due back in court Monday.

 

Main story image of Rodriguez with his son courtesy of Facebook.