NEW HOLLAND, PA — A 47-year-old man has been charged with third-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter following an investigation by the West Earl Township Police Department.
David Lee Souden, of New Holland, was initially charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children after police responded to a cardiac arrest call on Feb. 1 at approximately 5:33 p.m.
West Earl Township Police, along with New Holland Ambulance, responded to a residence in the 100 block of Wecaf Road in New Holland Borough for a reported infant who was not breathing.
Upon arrival, first responders located a female infant unresponsive in a bassinet.
Emergency medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures.
The child was transported to Lancaster General Hospital and subsequently flown to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.
Later that evening, the East Earl Police Department notified West Earl Township Police that Souden had arrived at their station and requested to speak with a detective.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Souden agreed to an interview with West Earl Township Police Detective Heather Halstead.
During that interview, Souden made statements admitting to shaking the infant while he was the sole caregiver at the residence, believing that he had killed her, according to police.
Video surveillance obtained during the investigation shows Souden leaving the residence prior to emergency responders arriving.
On Feb. 5, the infant was pronounced deceased at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
As a result of the continued investigation and the infant’s death, Souden was additionally charged with third-degree murder.
Souden remains incarcerated in the Lancaster County Prison.
