A 22-year-old father from North Carolina has been arrested for the alleged murder of his three-week-old son inside a hospital.
Noah Benjamin Bliss was taken into custody and has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and another for intentional child abuse leading to serious bodily injury, as detailed in court documents.
The warrants issued for his arrest indicate that Bliss “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder” the child and “intentionally inflicted serious bodily injury, brain swelling, and brain bleed” on him.
The newborn, identified as Gunner Bliss, and his twin sister Madelyn were born prematurely on September 15, 2023. Following their birth, both children were admitted to the NICU at WakeMed Hospital’s Raleigh Campus. While Madelyn continued her stay in the NICU, Gunner was discharged a few days before the unfortunate incident.
The circumstances of Gunner’s death remain largely private. However, in an interview, Savannah Bliss, the mother, expressed her grief over her son’s death and provided some insight into the events of that day. She mentioned that she had gone to the NICU to care for Madelyn and had entrusted Gunner to her husband, Noah.
Based on statements from local police, during this period, Bliss allegedly shook the baby with such force that, by the day’s end, Gunner had passed away. Medical examinations revealed that Gunner had been critically deprived of oxygen and suffered significant trauma leading to brain swelling and bleeding. No external injuries or broken bones were found on the child’s body, suggesting that the internal injuries were the result of violent shaking.
In her statements, Savannah Bliss said, “He seemed happy, like a proud father,” she said of her husband. “I never thought this would have happened. I trusted him.”
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a recognized form of severe brain injury occurring when an infant or toddler is violently shaken. This action can result in a brain bleed, swelling, and, in severe cases, death. It’s imperative for parents and caregivers to recognize the dangers of shaking and to seek non-violent ways to manage the challenges of child-rearing.
Noah Benjamin Bliss is being held without bail and is scheduled for his next court appearance in the upcoming month.