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Cecilia Rossetti suffered traumatic injuries after falling prey to Shaken Baby Syndrome, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to benefit the family. She died on Monday, Oct. 21.
Although her life was short, "Cecilia's sweet, gentle spirit has touched the hearts of many, especially her big sister Celeste, who has cherished every moment of being a big sister," the campaign states.
Watching the two sisters together was their mother's greatest joy, and "it is painful beyond words to see that bond cut short," according to the campaign page.
Cecilia had been violently shaken by her father, Chase Hawley, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, according to the affidavit, which was obtained by Daily Voice.
Hawley was taking care of Cecilia that day after his girlfriend and the child's mother, Krista Rossetti, left for work, the affidavit states. At 8 a.m., the baby began to cry and Hawley attempted to feed her, but she wouldn't take the bottle.
Becoming frustrated, Hawley tried to force Cecilia to take the bottle, eventually resulting in blood spilling from her mouth, the affidavit states. He then shook her two or three times after growing more irritated.
After noticing Cecilia become pale and limp, he placed her in the bathtub, but she didn't react to the water, according to the affidavit. Hawley then waited 20 to 30 minutes before calling 911 because he was afraid of what may happen to him.
First responders performed CPR on the infant and were eventually able to intubate her, but she had suffered extensive injuries that were likely to have immediate effects, the affidavit states.
Hawley was charged with:
- Felony Aggravated Assault.
- Felony Endangering Welfare of Children.
- Misdemeanor Simple Assault.
He is currently being held in Lackawanna County Prison with bail set at $100,000, according to court documents.
Cecilia died while on life support in the hospital, the GoFundMe campaign states.
"With hearts heavier than words can express, we are reaching out to ask for your prayers and support for the devastating, senseless tragedy that has occurred," Maria Lagoda, the campaign's organizer, said.
"What every parent fears most has become Krista’s unimaginable reality," Lagoda said on the campaign page. "Krista is facing what no mother should ever have to. The heartbreak of saying goodbye to her baby girl."
The funds raised by the campaign will be used to help remove the burden of future medical and funeral expenses, according to the campaign.
The campaign had raised $5,800 of the $10,000 goal by Thursday, Oct. 24.
Click here to view or donate to the GoFundMe campaign.
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