Pennsylvania Father Charged After Allegedly Stabbing Baby, Throwing Him in Snow

The 3-month-old infant is in critical but stable condition after the attack, which the father allegedly described as a 'sacrifice'

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 44-year-old Pennsylvania man named Michael Phillips has been charged with attempted homicide and assault after allegedly stabbing his 3-month-old baby son and throwing the infant in the snow. The baby was found in 'very serious condition' and was flown to a children's hospital. Neighbors were shocked, describing Phillips as a 'quiet, nice guy' and the family as 'a good family'.

Why it matters

This disturbing incident raises questions about mental health, domestic violence, and the safety of young children. The alleged 'sacrifice' claim also adds a troubling religious or spiritual element to the case that authorities will likely investigate further. The community is understandably shaken by the news of this violent attack on an infant.

The details

According to police, on February 11th, Michael Phillips allegedly made comments about needing to 'sacrifice' his 3-month-old baby. He then allegedly stabbed the infant in the abdomen and threw him in the snow outside their apartment. The baby's mother grabbed the child and tried to shield him, but Phillips allegedly took the baby from her arms and threw him in the snow. First responders rushed the critically injured infant to the hospital.

  • On February 11, 2026, at approximately 11:36 a.m. local time, police were called to the reported stabbing incident.
  • On February 12, 2026, Phillips was arraigned on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and reckless endangerment.

The players

Michael Phillips

A 44-year-old Pennsylvania man who has been charged with attempted homicide and assault after allegedly stabbing his 3-month-old baby son and throwing him in the snow.

The Infant

The 3-month-old baby son of Michael Phillips who was allegedly stabbed by his father and thrown in the snow. The infant was found in 'very serious condition' and flown to a children's hospital.

The Infant's Mother

The mother of the 3-month-old infant, who grabbed her baby and tried to shield him from further harm after Phillips allegedly attacked the child.

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What they’re saying

“He's always been a quiet, nice guy. This morning I saw him. He walked outside with his son, and I saw him. He smiled to me, said goodbye like normal and walked out ... He was really a good neighbor.”

— Edward Rivers, Neighbor (NBC 10 Philadelphia)

“I was shocked when I came back home and saw all the police here. I was talking to him for five minutes this morning and didn't detect anything like that or anything going on with him.”

— Robert Boyd, Neighbor (NBC 10 Philadelphia)

“A good family. Their mom, Dominique, she has two older boys. My son, who is 10, is friends with them. They just had a little baby three months ago.”

— Danielle Gray, Neighbor (WECT 6)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Michael Phillips to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the need for greater awareness and support around mental health issues, especially for new parents, as well as the importance of community vigilance to identify and report any warning signs of domestic violence or harm to children.