Iowa parents arrested after 6-week-old dies from abusive head trauma

LYON COUNTY, Iowa (TCN) -- Officials recently arrested and charged the parents of a 6-week-old infant after he died of suspected shaken baby syndrome injuries last year.

According to an affidavit posted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, on Sept. 10, 2023, Sydney Schneidermann brought her baby, only identified in court documents as W.S., to the Avera Hospital Emergency Room. She reportedly said the infant had a "sudden episode" where he "went limp in the arms" of his father, Brenan Schneidermann.

Authorities said the baby’s vitals came back normal, but he had "sporadic, short bursts of crying while at the hospital." W.S. also reportedly had red marks on his jawline but was released from the hospital.

Sydney Schneidermann brought W.S. back to the hospital again the following day after the infant had not eaten for around 14 hours, the affidavit alleges. Authorities said upon W.S.’s arrival, "it was obvious" he was in critical condition, and he had dilated pupils and required assistance breathing. His heart rate was reportedly dropping, and medical staff noticed the jawline marks had become apparent bruises. The baby was stabilized before he was eventually transported to Sanford Children’s Hospital.

According to the affidavit, Sanford Children’s Hospital doctors observed bruising on the baby’s neck consistent with child abuse, as well as a subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhages due to "acceleration-deceleration," which is often "associated with a shaking in babies." The victim also had significant brain swelling.

W.S. died from his injuries on Sept. 25, 2023, authorities said. An autopsy determined he died of abusive head trauma, and his death was ruled a homicide. Investigators reportedly determined Sydney Schneidermann was with her son when he sustained the injuries which led to his death, but she did not provide any possible explanations as to how he got them.

According to the affidavit, officials searched through digital evidence and saw that Sydney Schneidermann had researched shaken baby syndrome three days before she brought W.S. to the hospital on Sept. 10, 2023. In separate court documents, officials said Sydney Schneidermann sent her husband a screenshot of her search. His "lack of action to protect" his infant son allegedly "created a substantial risk," resulting in W.S.’ death.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced Aug. 31 that Sydney Schneidermann and Brenan Schneidermann each face one count of child endangerment resulting in death. Sydney Schneidermann also faces one count of first-degree murder.