Prosecutors Push for Harsher Penalties in Disturbing ‘Shaken Baby’ Felony Case

A 30-year-old Lake Havasu City man, Anthony S. Eldridge, is facing felony child abuse charges following a serious incident involving his 4-month-old child. Mohave County prosecutors are pushing for an enhanced sentence, emphasizing the severity of the alleged abuse.

In court documents filed last Tuesday, prosecutors noted that the case involves significant injuries inflicted on the child, which have potential emotional and financial repercussions for the victim’s family. Should Eldridge be convicted, these factors could influence the judge’s decision on sentencing.

According to Arizona law, the charges against Eldridge could classify as a Class 2 felony, particularly if it is determined that he knowingly endangered the child’s life or safety. A conviction for this type of offense typically carries a presumptive five-year prison sentence, but the potential for aggravating factors could increase this substantially.

If found guilty, Eldridge could face up to ten years in prison, reflecting the gravity of the child abuse charge. The situation escalated on May 3 when family members discovered the infant unresponsive at their home on Daytona Avenue and immediately called for medical assistance.

Emergency responders were able to revive the child, who was initially taken to Havasu Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to Las Vegas for advanced care. Medical professionals have indicated that the infant may suffer from permanent brain damage due to a non-accidental injury.

An online fundraising campaign initiated by local resident Marissa Palmer highlighted the child’s condition, which she attributed to “shaken baby syndrome.” The infant remained hospitalized until mid-June, when he was finally able to return to Havasu.

Eldridge was arrested shortly after the incident, on May 7. He is currently held in Mohave County Jail with a $100,000 bond. His trial is slated to commence on November 18, with a management conference set for October 16 in Mohave Superior Court.