A Pennsylvania father is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing his three-month-old son, claiming it was part of a “sacrifice,” and then discarding the child’s body in the snow. This shocking incident was detailed by prosecutors on Thursday.
Michael Phillips, 44, was taken into custody around 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday following a report of a stabbing at an apartment complex in Coatesville.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found that Phillips had allegedly stabbed his infant son in the abdomen. According to the child’s mother, Phillips had not only attacked her but insisted that she needed to sacrifice their baby.
The mother reported that while Phillips attempted to stab the baby multiple times, he managed to injure her instead.
After the attack, she managed to escape the residence with her injured child and her nine-year-old son, but not before Phillips chased after them.
As the eldest boy ran for help, Phillips seized the baby from the mother’s arms and “threw him into the snow,” according to reports.
The mother acted bravely, shielding her child from any further harm until help arrived.
Paramedics quickly treated the infant and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was in “very serious condition,” stated the Coatesville Police Department.
As of Thursday, police reported that while the boy was serious, he was stable.
A neighbor, Edward Rivers, shared with NBC10 that she had seen Phillips with his children earlier that morning and described him as a “quiet, nice guy.” She expressed her surprise, noting how he had always been friendly during their interactions.
Phillips now faces charges that include attempted murder, aggravated assault, endangerment of a child, and several others. He is currently being held without bail at the Chester County Jail.
Coatesville District Attorney Christopher de Varena-Salove praised the local emergency services for their efforts to save the infant and extended thoughts to the family during this extremely challenging time.
