An Arkansas man accused of brutally abusing his infant daughter now faces a capital murder charge after initially being charged with battery. Jakob Krause, 25, is alleged to have violently shaken his 4-month-old daughter multiple times, causing the severe head trauma that led to her death.
According to a probable cause statement reviewed by Law&Crime, Krause admitted to shaking the baby with “deliberate, violent force” while she was crying. He confessed to shaking her vertically on three separate occasions and is currently being held on a $15 million cash-only bond, Washington County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter confirmed.
The child’s injuries were so severe that she had to be airlifted to a specialized medical facility on June 24. Doctors said she had “little to no brain activity” upon arrival. After being placed on life support, she succumbed to her injuries on July 3.
“The victim, an infant, suffered severe, deliberate head trauma and bruising, consistent with intentional abuse that ultimately caused her death,” the probable cause statement reads. “Medical findings ruled out any accidental cause. Jakob was the sole caregiver at the time of injury and knowingly failed to seek timely medical care, despite the child exhibiting obvious, life-threatening symptoms.”
The document also outlines a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse. Prosecutors allege that Krause not only shook the baby but also poured cigarette ash on her and took humiliating photos, which he kept on his phone. He also allegedly threw away her baby formula, further endangering her well-being.
Text messages exchanged between Krause and the child’s mother while the baby was being rushed to the hospital offer more insight into his mindset. Instead of showing concern, Krause allegedly asked for money and repeatedly requested a “kart,” which he later clarified was slang for a marijuana vape.
“His concerns for his own needs during the life-threatening event further showcased his disregard and indifference for the value of human life,” the statement noted.
The horrific case has sent shockwaves through the Arkansas community, as law enforcement continues to investigate what they describe as a clear case of fatal child abuse. Prosecutors are pursuing capital murder charges, the most serious offense in the state, which could result in the death penalty or life without parole.