A Coatesville, Pennsylvania, father faces attempted homicide and multiple other charges after authorities say he stabbed his 3-month-old son and then threw the infant into the snow outside their home, leaving the baby critically injured.
Neighbors and local officials described a chaotic scene as law enforcement responded to the attack.
Police were dispatched shortly before noon on Feb. 12 to the Millview Apartments on the 2000 block of Smithbridge Drive following a report of a stabbing.
Investigators said the infant’s mother told officers that her husband, 44-year-old Michael Phillips, claimed he needed to “sacrifice the baby” before approaching her with a knife.
The infant reportedly suffered a stab wound to the abdomen, and Phillips allegedly attempted additional strikes.
During the incident, the mother fled the apartment with her infant and her older child, 9, according to NBC 10.
The older child ran to a neighbor’s home for help, while Phillips allegedly grabbed the infant from his mother and threw him into the snow.
Authorities said the mother shielded her child with her own body until first responders arrived.
Neighbors described the morning as frightening and chaotic.
Jim Gemmell, who witnessed the older child running to his home, recalled the child screaming, “He’s going to kill my baby, he’s going to kill my baby.”
Officers later recovered a bloody kitchen knife wrapped in a blanket inside the apartment.
Body camera footage reportedly captured Phillips saying, “I did it God, I did it,” and claiming the act was “part of God’s plan,” ABC 6 reported.
Police said Phillips resisted arrest upon their arrival and may have been pepper-sprayed before being taken into custody.
The infant was transported first to Paoli Trauma Center for emergency surgery and then flown to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he remained in critical but stable condition.
Authorities noted Phillips had a history of substance abuse, including heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription pills.
The child’s mother reportedly told investigators she suspected he was experiencing a psychotic episode during the attack.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe commended the response of police and EMS.
“Yesterday Coatesville Police and local EMS heroically worked to give this infant a chance to survive. Our thoughts go to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” he said in a statement, according to Fox 29.
Phillips was arraigned and denied bail. He remains in Chester County Prison awaiting a preliminary hearing. Officials confirmed the older child is in the care of the mother.
In addition to attempted homicide, Phillips faces charges including aggravated assault with intent to cause severe bodily injury, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, possessing an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person, according to Law & Crime.
Neighbors said they were shocked by the violent incident, noting the family had lived in the Millview Apartments for years and previously appeared quiet and unremarkable.
Some residents described the event as a wake-up call for the community about the importance of vigilance and awareness. Authorities have not released further updates regarding the infant’s long-term prognosis.
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