In Duluth, Michael Tahtinen faces charges of second degree murder and first degree manslaughter for the death of Connor Robison. News stories report that Connor arrived with his mother to the home of Michael and Sarah Tahtinen. Connor was placed in a playpen while Amanda and Sarah Tahtinen practiced with their band in the basement of the Tahtinen home. The investigation reveals that Connor died of severe blunt trauma to his midsection. The St. Louis County medical examiner ruled Connor’s death a homicide. Michael Tahtinen was taken into custody by police.
Factors may be present that cause adults and their infants and children to be more at risk for child abusive. Infants at risk include infants less than one year age, male infants, infants of twin or multiple births, premature infants, infants with health problems and infants that have inconsolable crying spells. Adults at risk for committing child abuse include adults with poor coping skills, unrealistic expectations, substance abuse, former victims of abuse and adults with mental health problems. Environmental factors that usually culminate in abusive events include social isolation, dysfunctional family characteristics and socio-economic burdens. However, child abuse may occur in any setting and it is important to know the signs and symptoms that may be present in an infant or child that may be a victim of child abuse.
