Matthew Wyrosdick, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his nephew, 17-month-old Zachary Johnson. Wyrosdick and his wife were caring for Zachary and his brother Austin while their parents spent several months in jail for grand theft auto. The children belonged to Mysti Wyrosdick's sister, Clarissa Johnson, and her husband Earl. Zachary died from injuries that Wyrosdick initially described as stemming from a fall from a toy table, but Wyrosdick provided more information each time the police interviewed him.
Zachary suffered the serious injuries last Thursday. He died on Friday. At the time, Wyrosdick described the manner in which Zachary was injured to police, who recorded the interview. Wyrosdick was subsequently interviewed on video several more times. Eventually, his description led to criminal charges.
After several interviews, each providing more information, Wyrosdick described his role in last Thursday's events to police officers. Wyrosdick said that he was very angry with the child and pushed him down onto a coffee table, where the child hit his head. He said he then shook Zachary and caused the child to hit his head two additional times on a different surface. Finally, Wyrosdick admitted to shaking the child again, then picking up and dropping Zachary four times.
Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca is not surprised by the prosecutor's decision to file aggravated manslaughter charges in this case, at least initially. Manslaughter is a less severe charge than murder. Wyrosdick's defense may hinge in part on whether the statements he made to police regarding his nephew's death are admissible in a courtroom. Prosecutors have stated that they intend to seek a high bond and will likely file further charges, including first-degree murder. Wyrosdick was described as "emotional" about Zachary's death.
Below is a video regarding another sad case of a small child who was beaten and killed by his caretaker:
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Zachary suffered the serious injuries last Thursday. He died on Friday. At the time, Wyrosdick described the manner in which Zachary was injured to police, who recorded the interview. Wyrosdick was subsequently interviewed on video several more times. Eventually, his description led to criminal charges.
After several interviews, each providing more information, Wyrosdick described his role in last Thursday's events to police officers. Wyrosdick said that he was very angry with the child and pushed him down onto a coffee table, where the child hit his head. He said he then shook Zachary and caused the child to hit his head two additional times on a different surface. Finally, Wyrosdick admitted to shaking the child again, then picking up and dropping Zachary four times.
Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca is not surprised by the prosecutor's decision to file aggravated manslaughter charges in this case, at least initially. Manslaughter is a less severe charge than murder. Wyrosdick's defense may hinge in part on whether the statements he made to police regarding his nephew's death are admissible in a courtroom. Prosecutors have stated that they intend to seek a high bond and will likely file further charges, including first-degree murder. Wyrosdick was described as "emotional" about Zachary's death.
Below is a video regarding another sad case of a small child who was beaten and killed by his caretaker:
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