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Lancaster County man charged in infant's death
Case will proceed to county court after judge's ruling
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A Lancaster County judge ruled that David Souden, charged with third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children after shaking his two-month-old daughter, will face county court. Souden admitted to police that he shook the baby in a fit of anger when she started crying, until she became unresponsive.
Why it matters
This tragic case highlights the dangers of shaken baby syndrome and the need for greater awareness and support for parents struggling with the stresses of caring for an infant. It also raises questions about mental health resources and intervention for individuals prone to violent outbursts.
The details
Police and EMS responded to a home in New Holland Borough on February 1 for a cardiac arrest involving a baby. The baby was found unresponsive and flown to a hospital, where she died from her injuries on February 5. Souden admitted to police that he shook the baby until she became limp after she started crying, believing he had killed her.
- Police responded to the home on February 1.
- The baby died from her injuries on February 5.
The players
David Souden
A Lancaster County man charged with third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children after shaking his two-month-old daughter.
What they’re saying
“Souden admitted to police that he shook the baby in a fit of anger when she started crying, until she became limp.”
— David Souden (wgal.com)
What’s next
The judge's ruling means Souden's case will now proceed to county court.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and support for parents dealing with the stresses of caring for an infant, as well as the importance of mental health resources and intervention to prevent violent outbursts that can have devastating consequences.
