Florida Father Faces Manslaughter Charges After Infant Daughter Dies from Severe Trauma

Dajuan Patrick, 27, now faces aggravated manslaughter charges following the death of his 5-week-old daughter, Dahlia Siebenhaar, in December 2024. Patrick brought the unresponsive infant to a Daytona Beach hospital on December 2, 2024, where she never regained consciousness and was removed from life support ten days later. This tragic event has led to a homicide investigation and Patrick's subsequent arrest in Jacksonville, Florida.

An autopsy revealed the infant sustained extensive injuries, including head trauma, multiple broken ribs, widespread bruising, and retinal hemorrhages. Medical examiners concluded these injuries were consistent with being shaken and held with extreme force. Investigators learned through interviews that Patrick was allegedly known to shake and spank the newborn, leading to the conclusion that he caused the fatal injuries. He is currently held without bond, awaiting extradition to Volusia County.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood emphasized the importance of speaking up for Dahlia, stating that her life mattered, even though the arrest cannot bring her back. This case highlights the devastating consequences of child abuse and the critical role of law enforcement in seeking justice for vulnerable victims. The legal proceedings will determine the full extent of Patrick's culpability in his daughter's death.