Pennsylvania Father Charged with Murder 13 Years After Infant Abuse
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An Allentown, Pennsylvania man, Kyle Hinkle, now 38, has been charged with third-degree murder more than a decade after his infant son was hospitalized with severe head trauma and eventually died in 2024. According to a news release from the Bensalem Township Police Department, investigators connected the 11-year-old boy’s death to injuries sustained as a 3-month-old in 2012.
In 2012, medical staff at what was then Aria Torresdale Hospital, now Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, reported that the infant showed signs of brain bleeding and retinal hemorrhages. Subsequent examinations revealed both new and old injuries consistent with abusive head trauma inflicted with significant force. The infant was transferred to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia for further treatment.
Hinkle later confessed to shaking his son multiple times on the day of the incident due to the infant’s crying, neglecting to support the baby’s head during the act. As a result, Hinkle was charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and simple assault in 2012. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to two years in county prison followed by three years of supervised parole and probation.
In a tragic turn of events, the victim of the 2012 abuse case passed away in Oliver, Pennsylvania, at the age of 11 in August 2024. An autopsy conducted in Westmoreland County revealed that the cause of death was complications from blunt force trauma to the head and neck sustained during the 2012 incident. Based on these findings and the initial investigation, additional charges were approved by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
On November 24, 2025, a warrant for third-degree murder was issued by District Justice Michael Gallagher, leading to Hinkle’s arrest with the assistance of the Allentown police at his workplace. Following the arraignment, Hinkle was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on bail set at 10% of $2 million.
It is essential to note that instances of child abuse should always be reported to the relevant authorities promptly. If child abuse is suspected, individuals can reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, with services available 24/7 in over 170 languages to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of seeking justice for victims of such heinous acts. The legal process will unfold as the accused faces the grave charges brought against him, underscoring the need for accountability in cases of abuse and violence, particularly when inflicted upon the most vulnerable members of our society.
As this story continues to develop, the community remains vigilant in advocating for the protection of children and ensuring that those responsible for their harm are held accountable. The tragic loss of a young life underscores the urgency of addressing issues of child abuse and safeguarding the welfare of children to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents from occurring in the future.