16-Day-Old Infant Dies; Charges Upgraded Against Tampa Man

TAMPA, FL -- A 16-day-old infant has died from skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury related to abuse.

As a result, charges against the baby's accused abuser have been upgraded. Aaron James Bordelon, 29, of 50th Street in Tampa is now charged with one count of first-degree murder with great bodily harm or death of a child.

He was originally arrested Monday and charged with felony aggravated child abuse, felony aggravated battery with great bodily harm and felony child neglect with great bodily harm.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Bordelon was caring for the newborn on Sunday when he said the baby woke up less than 1 1/2 hours after a feeding. Bordelon said he became agitated. He described forcefully picking up the baby. Afterward, he noticed the baby's breathing had slowed and there was visible bruising under the infant's eyes and on the eyelids.

He said he attempted to conceal the bruises by applying makeup to the baby's eyes and waited for the infant's mother to arrive. He then called a Lyft ride share service to transport them to Brandon Regional Hospital.

Prior to arriving at the emergency room, the mother attempted to remove the makeup on the baby's eyes.

The baby died on Tuesday, Feb. 19. An autopsy concluded that the infant has been abused.

When questioned, deputies said Bordelon admitted "this is my fault."

Bordelon remains in Falkenburg Road Jail.

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