Buffalo man pleads guilty in death of 5-month-old son

BUFFALO, N.Y, (WIVB)-- A Buffalo man pleaded guilty to a single count of first-degree manslaughter on Friday in the death of his five-month-old son, the Erie County District Attorney's office said.

In December 2022, police and paramedics responded to a Crestwood Avenue home after reports of an unresponsive child. Five-month-old Micah Rodriguez was rushed to Oshei Children's Hospital, but ultimately died from his injuries.

Investigators accused the child's father, 42-year-old Benjamin Rodriguez of Buffalo, of causing the death of his son by violently shaking the baby, resulting in blunt impact injuries to his head and neck.

Rodriguez is being held without bail and faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 23.