Man found guilty of hitting pregnant woman with pieces of door arrested for allegedly killing her baby

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

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MCCLAIN COUNTY, OKLAHOMA: An Oklahoma man, who previously admitted to assaulting the mother of his child, has been arrested again, this time on suspicion of killing the 9-month-old infant.

Hunter Allen Smiley, aged 25 and residing in Newcastle, was taken into custody this month following the tragic death of the infant in the hospital, as stated in a news release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Cause and manner of death undisclosed

On April 10, the Newcastle Police Department received a call reporting an unresponsive 9-month-old at a residence. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the infant under Hunter Smiley’s care. 

Subsequently, the baby was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical examinations revealed internal bleeding in the brain and hemorrhaging behind the eyes. Sadly, the infant died two days later on April 12. 

The exact cause and manner of death remain undisclosed. 

Prior to the infant's demise, the Newcastle Police Department sought assistance from the OSBI to probe potential child abuse and OSBI agents conversed with Smiley as part of the investigation. 

Following the gathered information, Smiley was arrested on April 15, three days after the infant's death, and charged with first-degree murder. 

He was then detained at McClain County Jail.

Hunter Smiley has a history of abuse with the baby’s mother

Court records indicate that Smiley has a history of abuse with the baby's mother.

In January 2023, he was arrested for domestic assault and battery against her while she was pregnant with their son, as reported by People.

He eventually pleaded guilty to hitting her with pieces of a broken door during a drunken altercation.

According to reports, Smiley was arraigned on April 25. His bond was set at $5 million, with orders for no contact with the victim's family.

If released on bond, Smiley will be required to wear an ankle monitor and refrain from accessing weapons. Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn stated, "It is tragic when a life is taken so early."

"We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law to be the voice of this victim who is unable to speak for himself," he affirmed. "Thank you to the Newcastle Police Department and the OSBI for your hard work on this case so we may seek justice for B.S."

As of April 28, there are no updates in the case.

It remains unclear if Smiley has legal representation to comment on his behalf.