NEWBERRY, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, a Newberry man was arraigned in the 92nd District Court on child abuse charges.
22-year-old Roy Metcalf is charged with two counts of first-degree child abuse for allegedly abusing a five-week-old infant. The offense carries a potential life sentence.
In June of 2024, the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital informed Michigan Children’s Protective Services of suspected abuse following its assessment of the infant. The child was brought to the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital by her father, Metcalf, and her mother. She was then transferred to Munson Medical Center in Grand Traverse County and subsequently to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Kent County.
Injuries observed in the infant included a fractured femur and subdural hemorrhaging. Each led to one of Metcalf’s charges.
“Cases of child abuse are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking, especially when they involve a child as young as five weeks old,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “My office remains committed to prosecuting those who would harm our most innocent and vulnerable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Metcalf was granted a personal bond and will appear before in court on May 15.
