11-year-old's 2024 death ruled homicide by shaken baby syndrome

The Fayette County Coroner has classified the death of 11-year-old Leonardo Hinkle as a homicide, specifically attributed to Shaken Baby Syndrome resulting from actions taken by his father when he was just three months old. The tragic case dates back to 2012 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where Leonardo's father, Kyle Hinkle, admitted to shaking his son to stop his crying without properly supporting his head.

Health records reveal that the abuse left Leonardo severely incapacitated; he was nonverbal, wheelchair-bound, and required constant care, including a feeding tube. Coroner Dr. Bob Baker expressed the profound sadness surrounding the case, stating, "It's very sad, it's a very sad situation when you deal with the death of a child." Despite the ongoing suffering, the family sought clarity regarding Leonardo's passing, which ultimately prompted a thorough investigation.

In 2012, following the incident, Kyle Hinkle faced charges of aggravated assault and child endangerment. He pleaded guilty in 2014 and served two years in prison. The injuries sustained by Leonardo were serious, indicated by extensive bleeding in his eyes and around his brain, leading to concerns about seizures during the time he was cared for by his father.

Leonardo's mother later relocated to Oliver, Fayette County, where he eventually passed away at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital in February 2024. Following an autopsy, a pathologist confirmed that Leonardo's death was indeed a direct result of Shaken Baby Syndrome, providing the family with some degree of closure.

Despite the findings, Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele noted that legal complications exist regarding potential charges against Kyle Hinkle, as the original abuse occurred in Bucks County, where he has already been convicted. The complexities of jurisdiction may affect the ability to pursue further legal action.