Shawn Samuels from Maine is at the center of a tragedy surrounding the death of his 12-week-old daughter, Lyla Samuels. Shawn has now been arrested on charges of domestic violence and aggravated assault. He is currently being held at Penobscot County Jail, with bail set at $250,000.
On Jan. 16, the Penobscot Regional Communication Center received a 911 call reporting that a 12-week-old infant was unresponsive. Authorities treated the call with the utmost seriousness and dispatched a substantial team of first responders. The response included the Maine State Police, Orrington Fire and Rescue, the Brewer Fire Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, all of whom arrived at Shawn’s residence.
The first responders immediately began administering CPR to the infant. They were successful in reviving her, and she was breathing before being transferred to a hospital. On Jan. 17, Shawn was accused of two counts of violating bail, among other serious allegations. The following day, Lyla succumbed to her injuries, and according to People, detectives ruled the death a “homicide.”
The case has turned out to be yet another instance involving a negligent parent. Reportedly, as officials were heading toward the residence to respond to the call, a relative told them that “the father of this child is alone with the child for the first time.” It remains unclear whether the infant’s injuries were caused by an accident or if police suspect something more intentional occurred — but Shawn has pleaded not guilty.
An autopsy on Lyla revealed that she had suffered four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and brain swelling before her death. The brain bleeding was attributed to an acceleration-deceleration injury. This suggests that Lyla fell from a considerable distance, and detectives will bear the burden of proving that in a court of law. If found guilty, Shawn could be another parent facing a very long time behind bars.
As one could imagine, the other parent — Leah Collins — was distraught as most parents are. Leah described her infant daughter as an angel who has gone back to heaven. She added that Lyla is “missed beyond what words could ever express, but will forever stay in our hearts as the precious, perfect baby girl that she is.”
Tributes continued to pour in on Facebook. Lyla’s aunt wrote, “The sweetest, smiliest, most beauuuutiful little light. She’s already so missed. We remember her and all the love, joy, and giggles she brought to us. Rest in peace, pretty girl. Auntie loves you to the moon.” Others grieving with the family commented, “My heart breaks for you. I am so incredibly sorry for this unimaginable loss. There are no words that can ease this kind of pain, but please know that even strangers are praying for you and your family. May the Lord hold you close, give you strength moment by moment, and surround you with His peace. That precious little girl is now in God’s loving arms.”
Lyla’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help raise $10,000 to assist with funeral arrangements. In times of grief, community is often the only thing you can lean on.
Published: Jan 27, 2026 01:23 pm