Johnstown man says he 'saw red;' caused brain, spinal injuries to infant child

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — Authorities with the Upper Yoder Township Police Department say a Johnstown area man is behind bars after he was accused of abusing his 4-month-old child, leading to severe brain and spinal injuries to the infant.

According to the affidavit, police say officers were contacted to investigate the alleged abuse in November after the infant was taken to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Investigators say doctors determined that the child had suffered a traumatic brain injury, as well as an injury to his spine.

"These injuries are diagnostic of physical abuse," the doctors told authorities.

Police say they then questioned the child's parents, including 36-year-old Kele Barry.

Police say initially, both parents gave numerous reasons on how they believed the child suffered his injuries, including "falling out of a baby swing, being hit by his sibling and getting stuck between the bed and the wall."

Investigators say the parents were then informed that the child had no external injuries and that the more likely cause was due to a case of "shaking baby" syndrome.

Upon further investigation, police determined that Barry was the only possible suspect after learning that he "had been under a lot of stress" and would often "lock himself in a bathroom to calm down."

Police say when they further questioned Barry about the alleged abuse, he reportedly recalled an incident in which he claimed that he "saw red" and threw the child onto the bed.

Officers say Barry claimed that he did not remember much of what happened but did admit that the infant had reportedly "bounced" approximately 4 to 6 inches off of the bed.

Police say Barry also later admitted to shaking the child because he would not stop crying.

Investigators say Barry stated that the child's demeanor quickly changed after the incident and that is when the baby was taken to the doctor, prior to being transferred to Pittsburgh.

According to online court records, Barry faces numerous abuse-related charges including multiple counts of felony aggravated assault and child endangerment.

He is being held at the Cambria County Prison on $200,000 bail.

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