Three-Year COVER-UP: Baby’s Death Wasn’t SIDS

A Pennsylvania father faces murder charges after toxicology reports exposed that his infant son’s death—initially ruled as SIDS—was actually caused by fatal alcohol poisoning, revealing a shocking case of child abuse that went undetected for nearly three years.

Story Highlights

Robert Jenkins Jr. charged with killing his 8-week-old son through alcohol poisoning in 2022
Death initially misclassified as SIDS until toxicology revealed 0.149 BAC and methamphetamine
Jenkins was sole adult present and had prior CYS involvement for unsafe child practices
Three-year investigation concluded with arrest in August 2025, $100,000 bail set

Initial Investigation Failures Allowed Case to Go Cold

Robert Paul Charles Jenkins Jr., 34, of Altoona was arrested August 18, 2025, nearly three years after his infant son died from what authorities now know was deliberate poisoning. The September 5, 2022 death was initially attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome following a preliminary autopsy. However, comprehensive toxicology testing later revealed the 8-week-old had a blood alcohol content of 0.149—nearly twice the legal limit for adults—plus methamphetamine in his system.

Jenkins claimed he placed the baby on a pillow on the couch, fell asleep, and awoke to find the child unresponsive. Police responded to his home that September morning, but the initial investigation failed to detect foul play. Only months later, when detailed toxicology results became available, did the cause of death change from SIDS to alcohol intoxication, triggering a criminal investigation.

Prior Child Welfare Warnings Went Unheeded

Blair County Children, Youth and Families had previous involvement with Jenkins, providing safe sleep education and offering a bassinet for the infant—resources Jenkins failed to utilize. The agency’s prior warnings about proper childcare practices proved prophetic when Jenkins’ negligent supervision led to the fatal poisoning. As the sole adult present during the incident, Jenkins bore complete responsibility for the child’s welfare and safety.

Jenkins attempted to deflect blame onto the infant’s mother and his sister, but police interviews and evidence cleared both women of involvement. The mother was under a no-contact order at the time, while Jenkins’ sister provided timeline information that actually supported the prosecution’s case. These desperate attempts to shift responsibility only strengthened investigators’ focus on Jenkins as the perpetrator.

Justice Delayed as Forensic Evidence Builds Case

The nearly three-year gap between death and charges reflects the complexity of building a solid case around infant poisoning. Investigators conducted extensive interviews with family members, reviewed medical records, and waited for complete toxicology analysis before proceeding. Jenkins now faces multiple felony charges including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children—charges that carry significant prison time.

Jenkins remains incarcerated at Blair County Prison on $100,000 bail, awaiting his preliminary hearing scheduled for August 27, 2025. The case highlights critical failures in initial forensic assessment and underscores why thorough toxicology testing should be standard in all unexplained infant deaths. For families who have lost children to actual SIDS, this case demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between natural and criminal causes of death.