Oklee (trfnews.i234.me) — An Oklee father faces two felony charges after his six-week-old child was found with seven bone fractures.
Keric Carpenter, 25, is charged in Red Lake County District Court.
He faces felony malicious punishment of a child and felony neglect of a child.
Carpenter also faces a gross misdemeanor charge of contributing to a child’s need for protection or services.
Each felony carries up to five years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine.
Infant Taken To Hospital
The investigation began February 25 after the infant was taken to Essentia Health in Fosston.
The child’s parents reported that the infant was not properly moving his right arm.
A full-body X-ray revealed fractures involving the right arm, both legs, and a rib.
The child was transferred to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo for further treatment.
Law enforcement placed the infant on a protective hold.
The child was later released into foster care, according to the complaint.
Doctors Document Seven Fractures
Medical records documented seven fractures involving the infant’s arms, legs, and a rib.
Some injuries showed signs of healing at different stages.
A pediatric child abuse specialist reviewed the medical evidence.
The doctor concluded the injuries were most consistent with nonaccidental trauma.
The complaint says no medical or genetic condition was found that would explain the fractures.
Investigators Review Carpenter’s Phone
Carpenter and the child’s mother told investigators they were the infant’s primary caregivers.
Both denied dropping the child or knowing how the injuries occurred.
The complaint says Carpenter was briefly alone with the infant before unusually severe crying began.
Later that evening, the parents noticed the child’s right arm appeared limp.
They did not seek medical treatment until the following day.
Investigators also reviewed searches found on Carpenter’s phone.
Two days before the hospital visit, he allegedly searched how much weight could break bones.
On February 25, he allegedly searched why a baby cries when an arm is moved.
He also searched for causes of infant forearm fractures, according to the complaint.
Three Charges Filed
Prosecutors allege Carpenter inflicted or allowed repeated nonaccidental injuries.
They also allege he failed to protect the child and obtain timely medical care.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Carpenter is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Readers can review Minnesota criminal laws through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Minnesota court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
