Father Charged With Murdering 4-Month-Old Son In Pennsylvania

Authorities in Berks County have charged a 31-year-old man with killing his infant son. Joshua Eric Leas of Robesonia is facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his 4-month-old son, Logan. The infant died in June from a subdural bleed, which authorities say was a result of being assaulted by his father, his primary caregiver.

According to information from the Berks County District Attorney, police in South Heidelberg Township were called to a home along the 700 block of Texter Mountain Road the morning of June 16 for a report of an unconscious infant.

The child, later identified as Logan Leas, was transported to Reading Hospital and Medical Center, where doctors determined he was suffering from a “brain bleed.” He was then transported to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Center for further treatment in the Critical Care Unit.

Three days later, on June 19, Logan succumbed to his injuries and died at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. An autopsy determined Logan’s cause of death was subdural hemorrhage caused by a traumatic head injury.

On Sept. 5, the Berks County Coroner’s Office ruled the death of Logan Jeffrey Leas a homicide. Joshua Leas was arrested on Sept. 13 at his job in Wyomissing.

Joshua Eric Leas has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the 1st degree, murder of the 3rd degree, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

He is being held at Berks County Prison; no bail amount will be set due to the nature of the charges.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 20.

PHOTO: Berks County District Attorney's office