Man, 21, is convicted in shaken-baby death of tot

3/25/2003

A 21-year-old Toledo man was convicted yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court in the death last year of a 14-month-old baby that was in his care.

Brandon Batdorf of 5315 Lewis Ave. Lot 4, pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter. Judge James Jensen found Batdorf guilty and scheduled sentencing for April 25.

Collin Fowler died in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center on Dec. 15, two days after he was found unconscious in Batdorf's mobile home. Brittnee Fowler, the infant's mother, was living in the mobile home but was at work when the child was hurt.

Ms. Fowler cried as Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Lastra told the court about the evidence that would have been presented had the case gone to trial.

Mr. Lastra said physicians who examined the infant at the hospital said the injuries were consistent with shaken-baby syndrome, in which an infant is shaken so violently that the brain is damaged.

Mr. Lastra said Batdorf told physicians the infant hit his held when he fell from a playpen. He later told police he became angry and shook Collin.

Batdorf, who did not make a statement at the hearing, may get up to 10 years in prison. He also was indicted for child endangering, but that charge will be dismissed at sentencing.