A 24-year-old man from Orrington, Maine, has been charged with murder following the death of his infant daughter during their first solo playdate. Shawn S. Samuels was initially arrested on Saturday, January 17, on charges of domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and violation of bail, after his 12-week-old daughter Lyla Samuels was found unresponsive at their home.
Emergency services responded to a 911 call shortly before midday on Friday, January 16, reporting that the baby was “turning blue.” Dispatchers noted that the father was alone with the child for the first time. First responders performed CPR on Lyla, who began breathing again, and she was rushed to a hospital in Bangor. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit-North was called in to investigate due to the severity of her injuries.
Lyla died in hospital on Sunday, January 18, and a state medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Samuels was then charged with murder at the Penobscot County Jail, where he remains in custody. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday, January 21, and was held on $250,000 bail.
Lyla’s mother, Leah Collins, paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as “a gift from God, returned to Heaven much too soon”. She said Lyla, who was born prematurely, had amazed doctors with her strength and brought joy to all who knew her. A GoFundMe page set up to support the family had raised more than $11,000 by Monday morning.
Maine State Police said the incident was isolated and posed no ongoing public safety concerns. Samuels’ next court appearance is scheduled for February 13.
