3-Month-Old Boy Dies In Stafford, Father Charged With Murder: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A 3-month-old boy died in Stafford County on Friday, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said. The child's father was arrested and charged with murder.

Authorities identified the father as 19-year-old Dallas Bowling. He is charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse. He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

If convicted of all charges, Bowling could face up to 50 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Bowling's next court date, a bond hearing, is scheduled for Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18.

Around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, first responders were called to Richland Road in Stafford for an unresponsive 3-month-old boy.

Stafford County deputies provided first aid until paramedics arrived and took the child to an area hospital, where he died.

The medical examiner ruled the child's death as a homicide, according to the sheriff's office. Detectives charged Bowling with murder in his son's death on Saturday and took him into custody.

Bowling is an employee with Stafford County Fire and Rescue. The fire department wrote on social media that Bowling was placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

"Stafford County Fire and Rescue is aware of the serious allegations of second-degree murder and felony child abuse against an employee of the department," the fire department wrote. "The allegations do not reflect the values of the department, which all members are expected to uphold."

The CDC hosts an array of resources to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to help victims who had adverse childhood experiences. More information is available on their website. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 800-422-4453.