GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A man who caused of the death of his 23-day-old son was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison.
Jeremiah Thomas previously pleaded no contest to a count of reckless homicide.
In addition, Thomas was placed on extended supervision for 12 years by Judge John Zakowski. Thomas must also perform 100 hours of community service during each year of the extended supervision.
Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil recommended a 20-year prison sentence, while defense attorney Peter Heyne suggested 12 years.
Before the sentence was issued, Thomas apologized for the death of Isaiah.
“Whether anyone believes me or not, I very, really, really, really am very remorseful and very sorry that this went this way. And if I could take it back, all of it, everything, wipe the whole slate clean but I that can’t be, and the only I really have is my remorse,” Thomas said.
Judge Zakowski noted Thomas’ lack of record before this incident and that he took responsibility for his actions, but said that is outweighed by the seriousness of the offense in this case.
“I don’t think you’re a monster. You’re probably a good person, Mr. Thomas. But you were a monster for, three minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes? An hour? I don’t know how long it took – but what you did that child, you just can’t describe it,” Zakowski said.
Police say rescue crews found the child unresponsive in Thomas’ west-side apartment on Jan. 22, 2018. The injuries included two skull fractures, breaks in 10 of the baby’s 12 ribs, and breaks in both his legs.
According to the criminal complaint, Thomas eventually admitted to police he dropped the child twice, lifted the child up by its feet, spanked the child for urinating on him, squeezed the child too tightly while picking him up, and possibly hurt the child’s ribs while massaging his side.
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