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

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (KDKA) -- The Fayette County Coroner has ruled the death of 11-year-old Leonardo Hinkle a homicide due to shaken baby syndrome, a direct consequence of actions taken by his father when Leonardo was just three months old. This tragic case dates back to 2012 in Bucks County, north of Philadelphia, where the child’s father, Kyle Hinkle, admitted to shaking his son while failing to support his head in an attempt to stop his cries.

Leonardo suffered greatly throughout his life as a result of this abuse; he was wheelchair-bound, nonverbal, reliant on a feeding tube, and required constant care until his death at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital in February 2024. Coroner Dr. Bob Baker expressed deep sadness over the situation, highlighting the severe impact of the injuries Leonardo sustained. His injuries included bleeding around his brain, indicative of significant force, and signs of a seizure at the time.

Kyle Hinkle faced legal consequences for his actions in 2012, being charged with aggravated assault and child endangerment. He pled guilty in 2014 and served two years in prison. However, the recent autopsy provided clarity regarding Leonardo's cause of death, confirming it was indeed due to shaken baby syndrome caused by head and neck injuries.

As investigations continue, Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele has noted the complexity of the case. Although there are considerations for additional charges against Kyle Hinkle, the timing of the incident in Bucks County complicates the legal process, as he was already convicted for the initial injury that led to Leonardo's suffering.

The emotional toll on Leonardo's family is profound; his mother expressed a desire for justice after years of her son enduring significant hardships. Coroner Baker reiterated the family's hopes for closure, sharing the mother’s wish for justice to finally be served in memory of her son.