Father Faces Manslaughter Charge After Teaneck Infant Dies

TEANECK, NJ –A 27-year-old New York father accused of assaulting his twin infants now faces manslaughter charges after one of the babies died, authorities said.

Charges were upgraded against Jonathan Melendez, of the Bronx, after the infant died at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

NY Man Faces Charges In Injuries To Teaneck Twin Infants

Melendez was arrested Oct. 25, after authorities launched an investigation into two injured infants brought by their mother to Hackensack University Medical Center, Musella said.

At the time of his arrest, one of the infants was in stable condition and the other was critical. Both had multiple fractures, as well as head trauma, authorities said.

Shortly after, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency contacted the prosecutor's office regarding the twins and an investigation was launched. After Teaneck police and the prosecutor’s office said detectives determined the children had been in Melendez’s custody when they were injured.

He also faces charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.