A Hamilton Township man has been sentenced to New Jersey state prison in the death of his four-month-old son, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill announced.
Officials said Jose Rojas was sentenced on a charge of Manslaughter to 10 years in NJ state prison subject to the No Early Release Act. Rojas is also subject to three years of parole supervision upon release from prison.
According to officials, on January 29, 2018, Hamilton Township Police responded to 6023 Hoover Drive, Mays Landing, for a report of an unresponsive child.
Upon arrival, a four-month-old boy was found with no pulse, and he was transported to AtlantiCare Mainland Division.
Due to the critical nature of the child’s injuries, he was later transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
After almost a week in the hospital, the child succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, February 4, 2018. An investigation showed that Rojas was home alone with his three young children.
Rojas told police that the child rolled off the bed, approximately two feet high.
However, doctors at CHOP stated that the injuries were so significant that a fall could have only caused them if it was at least 30 feet.
Doctors from CHOP stated that the child suffered hemorrhages in both eyes that were too numerous to count the number.
The pattern of hemorrhages was consistent with severe trauma, specifically abusive head trauma, doctors said.
Det. Larry Fernan of the Hamilton Township Police is the lead investigator on the case. Assistant Prosecutor Dave Ruffenach represents the state.