WISCONSIN – A 35-year-old Wisconsin man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly inflicting severe injuries on his 6-week-old son during what he described as an “angry outburst,” authorities said this week.
William Page appeared in court Friday on charges of repeated physical abuse of a child and strangulation and suffocation after his wife brought their infant son to a hospital with multiple severe injuries. Medical examinations revealed the baby had sustained seven rib fractures, a broken clavicle, fractures to both femurs, an eye hemorrhage, a chest contusion, and a wrist fracture.
According to court documents, Page admitted to authorities that he had been having “angry outbursts” triggered by the baby’s colic and “high pitched” crying. He told investigators he had been “punching walls” in frustration and acknowledged slapping and squeezing the child until the infant went “limp.”
Despite his admissions, Page reportedly told authorities, “I don’t know why this is considered abuse… this isn’t intentional,” expressing confusion about why his actions constituted child abuse.
District Attorney Melinda Tempelis emphasized the severity of the case during Page’s initial court appearance. “We are lucky this is not a homicide,” Tempelis said, noting the extent of the infant’s injuries.
The child is receiving medical treatment for the extensive injuries. The infant’s current condition was not disclosed by authorities.
Page is being held on $100,000 bond as the case proceeds through the court system. If convicted on both charges, he faces significant prison time.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed pending further review of the case.
