South Pasadena, Calif. – A local man was found guilty on Tuesday of fatally assaulting his infant son, whose subsequent death followed months of medical care after being initially suffocated. The case has captivated the community with its heartbreaking details and legal complexities.
Christopher Richmond, 31, was convicted of assault on a child causing death in connection with the demise of his 7-week-old son, Cash. In the same trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on a separate murder charge, resulting in an 11-1 deadlock in favor of a guilty verdict. Richmond also faced allegations regarding violent behavior towards the baby’s mother, resulting in a conviction for domestic battery with injury but an acquittal on a charge of assault likely to cause significant bodily injury.
The courtroom drama unfolded with Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami leading the charge, advocating for justice for the young victim and his family. He expressed gratitude towards the jurors and law enforcement agencies for their dedication to the case. “After more than a three-year journey, there is finally some justice,” Hatami remarked, underlining the community’s extensive emotional investment in the outcome.
Sentencing for Richmond is scheduled for December 13, where he faces a potential 26 years to life in prison. The prosecution will decide post-sentencing whether to retry Richmond on the unresolved murder charge, depending on the severity of the sentence handed down.
The case began to unravel publicly during Richmond’s trial last month, as prosecutors presented a chilling narrative. They recounted how Richmond had called 911 to report that his son had stopped breathing while being fed. His eerily calm demeanor during the call raised suspicions, leading to deeper investigations which revealed the tragic extent of the child’s suffering.
Prosecutors detailed how Cash struggled for life over four months, enduring a tragically brief life filled with pain, until his passing on February 17, 2023, after life support was withdrawn. An autopsy later confirmed the baby had suffered multiple blunt traumatic injuries, including severe damage to his ribs and neck, consistent with violent shaking.
In contrast, Richmond’s defense portrayed him as a new father overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, arguing there was insufficient evidence to pin the baby’s injuries directly on him. Defense attorney Michael Hawkins criticized the investigation’s conclusions and urged the jurors to question the rush to judgment.
Testimonies from emergency responders painted a vivid picture of the chaotic scene they encountered. A particular note was made of Richmond’s composure, described by first responders and captured in police body-cam footage as notably calm under distressing circumstances.
As the legal proceedings draw to a close, the community of South Pasadena and its surrounding areas remain united in their grief and continued support for Cash’s mother and family. The pending sentencing and possible retrial continue to hold significant interest as many seek closure in this deeply upsetting case.