JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — A Jamestown man was indicted by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury on Wednesday, accused in the death of a 16-month-old baby.
Matthew Nuttall, 26, is charged with manslaughter in the first degree and manslaughter in the second degree.
According to Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt, Nuttall is accused of intentionally throwing the baby, Isaac Benton, into a playpen, causing the baby's death.
Investigators say Nuttall was watching the child at the time of the incident on April 13.
“This indictment comes as the result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by investigators and juvenile detectives of Jamestown Police Department, and because of the observations and suspicions of a very capable coroner who suspected abuse despite the story initially provided to first responders. Their efforts and professionalism deserve special recognition,” District Attorney Schmidt said.
Nuttall was arraigned on a superseding indictment in Chautauqua County Court and pleaded not guilty to both charges. He is currently being held on $1 million cash bail or $500,000 property bond. He is scheduled to be back in court in July.
Officials in Chautauqua County says Isaac Benton's death is the third child death they are investigating.
"In all my years of criminal work, and before then, during my years as a child welfare caseworker in New York City, I have never seen this number of child homicides in such a brief period of time. These are preventable crimes. Before April, if someone would have predicted that Chautauqua County would be afflicted with this many child tragedies in the span of a few weeks, I would have thought it unimaginable," Schmidt said.
He added: "We cannot let this trend continue. Each and every one of us must all be vigilant in looking out for and protecting the safety and well-being of our children. To the public, if you see something which leads you to suspect child abuse or neglect, say something. Report your suspicions by contacting your local police or calling the statewide child abuse hotline at 1-800-342-3720. Anyone who legitimately suspects child abuse or neglect can make a report, and may do so anonymously. There is no excuse for failing to act.”
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