Florida Father Accused of Snapping Teething Infant’s Femur While Squeezing Him “So Tight,” Sheriff Says
FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA — A Florida father and mother have been arrested after deputies say their 6-month-old baby suffered a broken femur when the father squeezed the child “so tight” during a diaper change that the bone snapped — and both parents chose not to call for help, investigators said.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office described the case as “disturbing” and “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that the severely injured infant required emergency surgery.
Deputies Say the Baby’s Leg Snapped During a Diaper Change
According to investigators, 34-year-old Jasper Shick became frustrated during a diaper change when the teething infant began crying. Deputies say Shick squeezed the child with enough force to break the femur — one of the strongest bones in the human body.
Both Shick and the baby’s mother, 36-year-old Sarah Rediker, allegedly knew the injury was severe but did not seek medical attention, investigators said.
The baby’s grandmother later arrived, noticed the infant was in distress, and rushed him to the hospital.
Home Conditions Raised Additional Concerns for Deputies
Inside the home, detectives reported alarming conditions:
- The baby’s crib was located inside a closet
- Empty alcohol containers lay throughout the bedroom
- Marijuana-related items, including bongs, torches, and propane cans, were within reach of the infant
Deputies also say Shick admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana before the incident occurred.
Grandmother Alerted Authorities After Seeing the Child’s Condition
Hospital staff contacted law enforcement immediately after evaluating the child’s severe injury. The infant required surgery to repair the broken femur.
Detectives say the grandmother cooperated fully with the investigation and allowed officers to inspect the home, where evidence of unsafe living conditions was documented.
Both Parents Arrested; No-Contact Order Issued
Shick was charged with:
- Aggravated child abuse
- Providing false information to investigators
Rediker was charged with:
- Child neglect
- Filing a false report of child abuse
A judge issued a no-contact order preventing both parents from contact with the child. Shick is being held on a $75,000 bond, while Rediker is held on $50,000 bond.
Sheriff Condemns Abuse, Emphasizes Protecting Children
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper called the case “heartbreaking,” stating that harming a defenseless infant is “unthinkable.”
“Protecting children — especially those who cannot protect themselves — is my top priority,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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