Dad Charged After Baby’s Death Ruled Alcohol Poisoning, Not SIDS

(LibertySociety.com) – A Pennsylvania father faces manslaughter charges after toxicology tests revealed his eight-week-old son died from alcohol poisoning, not SIDS as initially believed, nearly three years after investigators closed what they thought was a tragic but natural death.

Story Snapshot

• Robert Jenkins arrested in August 2025 for his infant son’s 2022 death initially ruled SIDS
• Toxicology revealed fatal blood alcohol content of 0.149 and methamphetamine exposure in the baby
• Jenkins was the only adult present when the child died, despite his attempts to blame others
• The case highlights critical gaps in initial forensic investigations of infant deaths

From SIDS to Homicide Investigation

On September 5, 2022, Altoona police responded to Robert Jenkins’ home where they found his eight-week-old son deceased. Jenkins told investigators he had fallen asleep on the couch with the baby and awoke to find the child unresponsive. The initial autopsy attributed the death to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the case appeared closed.

But months later, delayed toxicology results shattered that conclusion. The infant’s blood alcohol content measured 0.149, nearly twice the legal limit for adult drivers, and methamphetamine was detected in the child’s system. Medical examiners revised the cause of death to alcohol intoxication, transforming a closed SIDS case into an active homicide investigation.

Three Years of Investigation

The discovery launched a comprehensive investigation spanning nearly three years. Detectives interviewed family members, analyzed social media communications, and searched Jenkins’ residence, where they discovered drug paraphernalia. The infant’s mother, who had a no-contact order in place, was quickly ruled out as a suspect due to her confirmed absence during the critical timeframe.

Jenkins repeatedly attempted to deflect responsibility, pointing fingers at others who could have accessed the child. However, investigators methodically eliminated each alternative theory. The evidence consistently pointed to one inescapable conclusion: Jenkins was the only adult present and capable of administering the fatal substances to his son.

The Rarity of Infant Alcohol Poisoning

Cases involving infant alcohol poisoning are extraordinarily rare and shocking in their brutality. An eight-week-old baby weighs approximately ten pounds, making even small amounts of alcohol potentially lethal. The combination of alcohol and methamphetamine exposure suggests a level of negligence or intent that defies comprehension for most parents.

SIDS diagnoses have declined significantly as forensic technology improved, revealing previously undetectable causes of infant death. This case exemplifies why comprehensive toxicology testing should be standard protocol in all unexplained infant deaths, rather than relying solely on initial autopsy findings that may miss crucial evidence.

Justice Delayed but Not Denied

Jenkins was arrested on August 18, 2025, and charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children. He is being held at Blair County Prison on $100,000 cash bail, finally facing accountability for his son’s death nearly three years later.

The case raises uncomfortable questions about our child protection systems and forensic protocols. How many other infant deaths initially attributed to SIDS might warrant deeper investigation? The delayed justice in this case, while frustrating, demonstrates the importance of thorough forensic analysis over quick conclusions that may miss critical evidence of foul play.

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