Allentown Father Charged with Murder in 2012 Child Abuse Case

UPDATE: In a shocking development, Kyle Hinkle, a 38-year-old father from Allentown, faces murder charges linked to the tragic death of his son, who suffered severe abuse as an infant. The Bensalem Police confirmed the charges today, marking a significant turn in a case that has haunted the community for over a decade.

The child, who died in August 2024 in Oliver, Pennsylvania, was only three months old when the abuse occurred in October 2012. An autopsy revealed that the boy’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and neck, directly linked to the injuries he sustained as an infant. This grim revelation has prompted the Bucks County District Attorney to escalate the charges against Hinkle to third-degree murder.

The disturbing details began to unfold back in 2012 when medical professionals at Aria Torresdale reported a case of suspected child abuse after diagnosing the infant with bleeding in the brain and retinal hemorrhages. A subsequent CAT scan uncovered new and old injuries, indicating significant abuse. Doctors at St. Christopher’s Hospital determined these injuries were consistent with abusive head trauma.

Hinkle, who previously admitted to shaking his infant son in an attempt to stop his crying, had already pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Aggravated Assault and Endangering the Welfare of Children. He served two years in county prison and was on supervised parole. However, the recent autopsy findings have changed everything, leading to his arrest.

On Monday, District Justice Michael Gallagher issued a warrant for Hinkle’s arrest. He was taken into custody at his workplace with the assistance of the Allentown Police. Following his arraignment, he was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility with a bail set at $2,000,000, requiring 10% for release.

This developing story raises pressing questions about child safety and justice. As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with the profound impact of this heartbreaking case. The implications of this arrest are vast, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.

As this story unfolds, more updates are expected. Stay tuned for the latest developments.