Newcastle man arrested after child’s death

NEWCASTLE, Okla. ( KFOR ) – A man has been arrested following the death of a child in McClain County.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Newcastle Police Department requested the bureau’s help on April 11, 2024, regarding a child abuse investigation.

The day before, officers responded to a home in Newcastle after receiving a call about an unresponsive 9-month-old baby. The child was quickly taken to a nearby hospital.

Two days later, on April 12, the child passed away. OSBI agents spoke with the child’s father, 25-year-old Hunter Smiley, who was there when officers responded.

The OSBI says the information gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of Smiley on April 15 and he was booked into the McClain County Jail on a First-Degree Murder charge.

Officials say the baby was taken to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner where the cause and manner of death will be determined.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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