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Maine Father Charged with Murdering Infant Daughter

1/22/2026

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Samuels Charged Murder

Shawn Samuels, a 24-year-old man from Orrington, Maine, has been charged with murder for the death of his 12-week-old daughter Lyla Samuels.
Emergency responders transported Lyla Samuels to hospital after a 911 call reported an unresponsive infant.
An autopsy ruled the death a homicide.
Samuels previously faced domestic violence and bail-violation charges before the murder charge, and he remains in custody awaiting an initial court appearance.

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Brad Simpson's Hearing

Brad Simpson, accused of murdering his wife Suzanne in October 2024, attended a pre-trial hearing where prosecutors received a 60-day continuance to review new evidence.
Suzanne's body remains missing, but she is presumed dead, and investigators allege Brad attempted to conceal evidence, including a firearm and a motorized saw with her DNA.
In a separate case, Rigoberto Mendez Morales faces federal second-degree murder charges for allegedly stabbing a woman at a casino, claiming he found her dead while having blood on his clothing.

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Samuels Charged Murder

Shawn Samuels, a 24-year-old man from Orrington, Maine, has been charged with murder for the death of his 12-week-old daughter Lyla Samuels.
Emergency responders transported Lyla Samuels to hospital after a 911 call reported an unresponsive infant.
An autopsy ruled the death a homicide.
Samuels previously faced domestic violence and bail-violation charges before the murder charge, and he remains in custody awaiting an initial court appearance.

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