An Arkansan accused of beating his 5-month-old son last year, causing bleeding on his brain, pleaded not guilty Monday.
Clayton William Rynders, 22, of Lonsdale faces a charge of first-degree domestic battery, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 10.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Garland County sheriff's investigators received a report Nov. 13, 2017, regarding a 5-month-old boy being admitted to National Park Medical Center and diagnosed with bleeding on the brain.
The child was airlifted to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, where he was diagnosed with bilateral retinal hemorrhages and a subdural hematoma. The affidavit notes the exam found the injuries were consistent with "nonaccidental head trauma."
Authorities said Rynders told hospital staff the child was "playing in his bouncy chair and threw his head back, became limp" and got sick.
On Nov. 15, 2017, Rynders was interviewed at the Garland County sheriff's office. According to court documents, he told investigators he shook his son when he cried "because it aggravates him and frustrates him." He said the child had gone limp before, "but not as badly" as Nov. 13, the affidavit states.