AMERICAN FORK — An American Fork father faces criminal charges after police say doctors discovered his 4-week-old daughter suffered numerous broken bones.
Ronald Lincoln Gifford, 23, was charged Tuesday in 4th District Court with two counts of child abuse, a second-degree felony.
The infant suffered “eight rib fractures, a fractured clavicle, two fractures in one leg and bruising,” according to charging documents.
The victim's mother said Gifford, her husband, was watching the girl at the time the injuries were inflicted, the charges state.
“She detailed a number of times where he told her that he felt bad because he might have hurt the baby. Officers spoke with (Gifford) and he stated that on two occasions he was frustrated because the baby was crying and he squeezed her too tight,” according to the charges.
American Fork police noted in an affidavit that Gifford has no prior involvement with law enforcement and during his interview with officers “appeared remorseful, crying during much of the interview. Lincoln did admit to having depression and recognizes his need for external help.”