Jefferson City father allegedly shook 4-month-old daughter to toughen her, leaving broken bones: cops

A Missouri father allegedly shook his 4-month-old daughter and fractured multiple bones because he claimed it would “toughen” her, according to court documents.

Noah Humphus, 23, is of Jefferson City, court records show.

Authorities said the 4-month-old girl was hospitalized with physical injuries consistent with abuse.

Examining doctors found multiple fractured ribs along with a fractured femur, according to court records.

A possible tibia fracture was also detected, according to the documents. Some of the rib fractures were already healing, suggesting the trauma was not all recent, authorities said.

The infant’s mother told investigators that Humphus stayed home with the baby while she worked.

She alleged that she witnessed him shake their daughter roughly twice a day whenever the baby was hungry or crying, police said.

Humphus claimed shaking the infant would “toughen” her, court documents state. The mother reported that he also claimed being rougher with children was normal, according to the affidavit.

Police subsequently interviewed Humphus regarding the allegations, according to the filing.

Investigators said Humphus admitted shaking his daughter more than 10 times but fewer than 20 times.

Humphus also used a doll to demonstrate how he pulled on the baby’s legs, police alleged.

The father allegedly showed officers how he would swing the infant upside down by her legs, according to police.

The 4-month-old girl remained hospitalized and was undergoing additional testing when the probable cause statement was filed, authorities said.

Officials stated that further medical examinations could lead to more injuries being discovered, according to the documents.

Humphus is charged with first-degree domestic assault and abuse or neglect of a child, court records show.

The defendant is currently being held without bond, according to authorities.