11-month-old child beaten by his father

Bellafontaine
Logan County parents charged in beating of child
Columbus Dispatch, March 3, 2007, pg. D5.

The parents of a critically injured 11-month-old boy face hearings this month on felony charges stemming from the alleged beating of the child.

Michael B. Robinson, 43, and Sue Hutchins, 35, remained in the Logan County jail after appearing yesterday before Bellefontaine Municipal Judge John Ross.

Robinson, who is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, is to have a preliminary hearing Tuesday. He is charged with felonious assault, child endangering and domestic violence.

Hutchins is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and has a preliminary hearing set for March 12. She is charged with permitting child abuse.

Dana Robinson remained in critical condition yesterday in Children's Hospital in Columbus. His father is accused of beating him and then calling 911 early Monday to report that the child was hurt.

"The baby is alive and has shown improvement," said Assistant County Prosecutor Eric Stewart. "They have said there will be disabilities."

Dana, who was hooked up to life-supporting tubes and hoses, is starting to breathe on his own, authorities said yesterday. The boy remains a ward of the county. Six other children, including three sons of Robinson's, have been placed with relatives or in foster care.