2-month-old on life support after Louisville man gives him 'severe' beating, police say

A Louisville man was arrested Tuesday night after he inflicted "severe injuries" on his 2-month-old child who is now on life support, according to police.

Donnie E. Rowe, 28, was arrested at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at his Louisville residence after he admitted to beating his child June 7, according to an arrest citation.

The infant suffered "multiple skull fractures, retinal hemorrhages and several other documented injuries which are consistent with abusive head trauma," according to the arrest citation.

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The infant is currently on life support, and it is unknown if he will survive his injuries, according to Louisville police.

Rowe was on drugs at the time of the incident, according to the arrest report.

Rowe was charged with first-degree assault and first-degree criminal abuse, according to online court records.

During an arraignment hearing Thursday, Rowe pleaded not guilty to the charges and was assigned a public defender, according to online court records.

Rowe remains held in Louisville Metro Corrections in lieu of a $500,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 24.

Reach Billy Kobin at bkobin@courierjournal.com or 502-582-7030. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/subscribe.