Wisconsin Father Charged After 6-Week-Old Son Suffers Broken Bones, Rib Fractures, and Near-Fatal Injuries
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WISCONSIN — A 35-year-old Wisconsin father is behind bars after investigators say he inflicted severe, repeated injuries on his 6-week-old infant son, leaving the newborn with broken bones, fractured ribs, and internal bleeding in what prosecutors called a near-fatal case of child abuse.
William Paul Page was arrested and charged with physical abuse of a child by repeated acts, intentionally causing great bodily harm, and strangulation or suffocation, according to Outagamie County court records. He remains in custody on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
Mother Took Baby to Hospital After Noticing Severe Injuries
The investigation began on September 29, when the infant’s mother brought him to a local hospital for treatment of mouth injuries. Medical staff alerted authorities after discovering additional trauma inconsistent with accidental harm.
During questioning, the mother told police she had witnessed Page physically abuse the baby about a week earlier during an “angry outburst.” She claimed Page hit the child in the chest and often lost control when the baby cried.
A medical evaluation revealed an alarming list of injuries:
- Both femurs broken
- Seven fractured ribs
- A broken clavicle
- Chest contusions
- Eye hemorrhages
Doctors told investigators the baby’s injuries were consistent with severe, repeated blunt-force trauma, and likely would have been fatal without immediate care.
“Again, this baby is 6 weeks old. He has significant, significant injuries,” said Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis, describing the infant’s condition. “We are lucky this is not a homicide.”
Father Confessed to Losing Control and “Squeezing Too Hard”
In a recorded interview, Page reportedly admitted to struggling with anger issues, telling detectives he had previously “punched walls, hit doors, and slammed tables” when frustrated.
When asked how his son’s crying affected his temper, Page said it caused him to snap, leading him to slap and squeeze the baby. He admitted that during these moments, the baby would sometimes go “limp” in his arms.
“Maybe once every four or five times I held him,” Page allegedly told investigators, describing how hard he squeezed the infant to stop the crying.
When police informed him he was being arrested for child abuse, Page reportedly said,
“I don’t know why this is considered abuse… this isn’t intentional.”
Despite claiming he “didn’t mean to hurt” the baby, Page acknowledged that his actions could have easily resulted in the child’s death.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Custody
At his initial court appearance on Thursday, Judge Brian G. Figy ordered Page to remain in custody pending trial. His next court date is set for October 23 for a status conference.
Page is currently being held at the Outagamie County Jail. The baby remains under medical supervision and in protective care.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors say it highlights the critical need for early intervention and parental mental health support in preventing child abuse tragedies. For continued updates on Wisconsin criminal court cases and community safety, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.