Dad Shoved Fingers Down 6-Week-Old Baby's Throat to Pull Out His Larnyx

Between October 18 and November 7, 2016, baby Jaxson “Jax” Burnette, who was around six weeks of age, endured horrific abuse from his father while his mother stood back and watched.

During that month and one-half period, Robert Burnette, 21, of Wentzville, Missouri, shoved his fingers down his son's throat, hoping he could find and rip out his voice box to hush his crying. He grabbed his infant son by the back of the neck and forcefully threw him against a wall. He smothered Jaxson by placing him face down on the bed and pressing his hand down forcefully on his body. He violently shook tiny Jax.

Jaxson’s mom, Megan Hendricks, watched the abuse occur but never attempted to stop it, nor did she take Jaxson in for medical treatment.  Megan said she didn't want to confront her boyfriend.

Jax Transported to Hospital

On the afternoon of November 7, Robert and Megan took baby Jax to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Medical professionals were left shocked by what they saw.

Tiny baby Jax was covered in black, blue, and purple bruising from the top of his head down to his feet. Doctors discovered he suffered several broken bones, a liver contusion, and bleeding in the brain. Jax had new and old fractures in various stages of healing on his clavicle and ribs.

Jaxson fought for his life but, sadly, died in the hospital on November 28, 2016.

Burnette Admitted Abuse

Police spoke to Robert and Megan. Without an ounce of remorse in his voice or on his face, Burnett admitted that he abused his son to death, providing horrific details of the pain he inflicted on his newborn son.

Megan admitted she witnessed Robert abuse Jax on at least three separate occasions but never intervened.

A History of Violence

Burnette had a long history of violence and anger issues before Jaxson’s birth. His parents told police he attempted to kill his brother several times. On one occasion, he attempted to stab his sibling. On another, he tried smothering him.

His mother also said Brunette had been held at mental health institutions several times due to his anger issues.

Hendricks, Burnette Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to Prison

On August 30, 2018, Hendricks pleaded guilty to abuse and neglect of a child resulting in death. She was sentenced to 21 years in prison. She is incarcerated at Chillicothe Correctional Center.

In February 2019, Burnette pleaded guilty to abuse and neglect of a child resulting in death. He received a 26-year prison sentence. He is currently incarcerated at Jefferson City Correctional Institution.

Rest in peace, sweet baby Jax. I'm so sorry two monsters caused you so much pain in your short life.

Sources:

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/wentzville-man-sentenced-in-death-of-his-6-week-old-son/63-e3deb4bb-c37e-4577-8ddf-1628bb5080db

https://www.sccmo.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1196&ARC=2548

https://nypost.com/2018/08/29/dad-pleads-guilty-to-killing-his-6-week-old-infant-son/

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