Wisconsin father arrested for child abuse after claiming newborn son was hit by an iPad

Steven Nichols' son suffered a 'significant brain injury' and multiple fractures

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A Milwaukee man is being accused of child abuse after his baby was found with severe injuries that he claimed were caused by an iPad. 

Steven Nichols, 19, was charged with one count of child abuse and one count of neglect by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. 

According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, the child's mother became aware of her son's injuries on March 11. She left him with Nichols for the weekend. He was with Nichols from March 8 through March 10.

When the baby was brought back home, the mother noticed that he was "fussy," constipated, and had trouble sleeping.

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Steven Nichols mugshot

Steven Nichols, 19, was charged with one count of child abuse and one count of neglect after his child was found with severe injuries. (FOX 6 Milwaukee)

When the mother noticed that the child was bruised and asked Nichols about the injuries, he claimed that an iPad accidentally hit the child.

"Nichols had informed [her] that an iPad he propped up on a formula container had fallen onto [the child]," documents read. 

The baby boy, who was born on Feb. 3 of this year, was brought to St. Joseph's Hospital by his mother.

Hospital staff determined that the baby boy suffered "bilateral skull fractures, a significant brain injury [and a] femur fracture to both the left and right femur."

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Exteriors of St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee

The young boy's injuries were examined at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Google Maps)

In addition, he also sustained rib fractures, buttocks burns and spinal bleeding. Bruises were also found on the child's abdomen, left inner thigh, groin, eye and forehead.

"Medical informed officers that an iPad could not have caused all of these injuries," the court documents read.

Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office building exteriors

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is actively investigating the child abuse allegations. (Google Maps)

"It was determined that these injuries were inflicted and not accidental by medical staff based on the nature, number, and placement of the injuries."

While Nichols was being interviewed, he allegedly told police that it "wasn’t unfair" to say that he hurt his child, but still denied the allegations.

Andrea Vacchiano is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can follow her on X at @andrea_vacch or send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authored by Andrea Vacchiano via FoxNews March 18th 2024