BLOOMINGTON — An 18-year-old Bloomington man is facing felony charges after police say he repeatedly bit a newborn baby on the face in an effort to stop the infant from crying.
Kaden Shrum, 18, was arrested and charged with battery resulting in bodily injury to a person under 14 years of age, a Level 5 felony.
According to court documents, the investigation began on July 15 when the Bloomington Police Department assisted the Indiana Department of Child Services with a child abuse report. A local pediatrician alerted authorities after examining a 9-day-old infant who had developed extensive bruising across their entire left cheek.
The infant was immediately transported to a regional hospital for specialized evaluation and treatment. Medical staff and investigating authorities quickly determined that the severe bruising was consistent with a bite mark.
While at the hospital, Shrum allegedly admitted to family members and law enforcement officers present that he was responsible for the child’s injuries.
Suspect Details Actions to Police
During a subsequent interview at the Bloomington police station, Shrum reportedly detailed the incident to investigators. He stated that he was watching the infant around 4:00 a.m. when the baby began to cry.
In an attempt to quiet the child, Shrum told officers he began “nibbling” on the baby’s cheek. According to court records, he further confessed that he took the skin of the infant’s cheek into his mouth and repeatedly bit down in a “chomping motion.” Shrum reportedly described the infant to police as looking like a “busted up egg” following the incident.
Additional Legal Troubles
Shrum was taken into custody and remanded to the Monroe County Jail.
Court records reveal that Shrum was already facing significant legal trouble prior to this arrest. He currently faces separate felony charges for battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness, as well as an additional misdemeanor battery charge in a third, unrelated case.
A jury trial for the child battery charge has been scheduled for Jan. 11, 2027.
