HARTFORD, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A 22-year-old Hartford man has been arrested and charged with homicide and child abuse in the death of his girlfriend’s baby last year.
Sheriff Daniel E Abbott reports that on April 23, 2021 the Hartford Police Department was called to Watervliet Hospital April 23, 2021 for a report of an 18-month-old baby with trauma due to possible child abuse. The baby resided with his mother and her boyfriend on Elmwood Street in the City of Hartford.
The baby was airlifted to Bronson Kalamazoo for emergency treatment. He underwent surgeries, and other life saving measures were taken. Those were ultimately unsuccessful and the baby passed away.
Detectives from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division were called in to assist with the investigation.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E Abbott says detectives, in conjunction with the Hartford City Police, determined through their investigation that the baby had suffered blunt force trauma injuries and the cause of death was ruled a homicide.
After a lengthy and detailed investigation Jacob Tanner was developed as a suspect.
Charges of Open Murder and Child Abuse 1st Degree were authorized by the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office against Tanner.
Tanner was arrested Monday afternoon and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail on those charges. He has been arraigned and is being held with no bond.
