A Montgomery County man is facing multiple felony charges after the tragic death of his 10-month-old daughter, who investigators say was the victim of sexual abuse and fatal neglect.
Authorities allege that Austin Stevens, 29, delayed calling 911 for nearly an hour after discovering his daughter unresponsive. Forensic analysis of his phone revealed disturbing internet searches during that time, including queries such as “If baby stops breathing,” “What if you don’t hear baby heart or beat,” and “How do you know if a baby is dead.”
“This case is deeply disturbing,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “It is hard to imagine a more horrific series of events: sexual assault on an infant, followed by a lack of any effort to save her life.”
Stevens has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including:
- Rape of a child
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated indecent assault
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- And related charges
He is currently being held at Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $1 million bail. A preliminary hearing is set for October 13.
