Warren County man charged with murder for death of baby, abuse of toddler

A Clearcreek Twp. man has been indicted for murder in the death of his infant son earlier this month and for allegedly abusing the child’s older sibling.

Cody Colwell, 27, was indicted today by a Warren County grand jury on two counts of murder, felonious assault, and two counts of endangering children following an investigation of the death of infant, Cayden Colwelll, who was found unresponsive in a Clearcreek Twp, home earlier this month.

MORE: Death of Warren County 2-month old still under investigation

Cayden Colwell, 2 months old, died April 16 after being taken off life support at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, according to Clearcreek Twp. Chief John Terrill.

Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said the baby suffered blunt force trauma of the head.

“A substantial amount of force was used to injure the child,” the prosecutor said.

Colwell’s 3-year-old son was also examined after the incident and was found to have multiple bruisings on his body, including on the shoulder, cheek, neck and abdomen, according to Fornshell.

MORE: Police: 4 deaths in West Chester Twp. apartment investigated as homicides

The baby was in the care of Colwell when medics and police were called to the residence on Ohio 123 at about 2:05 p.m. on April 11, according to police. The baby was transported to Atrium Medical Center, then taken by medical helicopter to the Cincinnati hospital.

Sgt. Curtis Hensley said in his report that when he arrived, Cody Colwell was being escorted out of the residence by emergency personnel.

“(Cody) Colwell was extremely distraught, and it was apparent that he was not able to drive due to his emotional condition,” Hensley said.

Hensley transported the father to the Middletown hospital where the baby had already been taken.

At the hospital, Cody Colwell said he had noticed Cayden not breathing when he went to change his diaper and “began breathing for him,” according to the report. The report states CPR was performed at the residence before the medic units arrived.

Colwell was taken into custody over Saturday in Lexington, Kentucky at a relative’s residence, according to officials. He will be scheduled for an extradition hearing to return to Ohio to face charges, police said.

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