A 44-year-old Coatesville man is in custody after police say he stabbed his 3-month-old son and threw the injured infant into the snow outside an apartment complex Wednesday morning.
Officers were called around 11:30 a.m. to the 2000 block of Smithbridge Drive after receiving a report of an infant stabbing, according to the Coatesville Police Department. When they arrived, authorities took Michael Phillips into custody.
Investigators allege Phillips stabbed the baby in the abdomen before carrying the child outside and throwing him into the snow.
The infant was airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he underwent emergency surgery. Prosecutors later said the child was out of surgery and in critical but stable condition as of Wednesday evening.
“The Chester County District Attorney’s Office is aware of an incident involving a stabbing that occurred in Coatesville, and are supporting the City of Coatesville Police Department in the investigation,” the DA’s office said in a public statement.
Court proceedings scheduled late Wednesday did not move forward as expected. A judge delayed Phillips’ arraignment after observing that he struggled to answer basic questions and asked God for forgiveness during the hearing. He was then transported to Chester County Prison.
An affidavit cited in the report describes officers encountering Phillips arguing at the apartment while another officer ran toward an ambulance carrying the baby wrapped in a blanket. The affidavit states there was blood on Phillips’ shirt, and body camera footage later captured him saying, “I did it God I did it.”
Investigators described the incident as stemming from an altercation between the parents. According to court documents, the baby’s mother attempted to stop Phillips from stabbing their son. The affidavit states she told officials Phillips made comments about sacrificing the baby before the attack and that she directed her 9-year-old child to run and get help. Police allege the mother then laid on top of the infant after he was thrown into the snow.
Neighbors in the Millview Apartments complex said they were stunned by the allegations and described Phillips as someone who appeared calm earlier in the day.
Edward Rivers said he saw Phillips around 8 a.m. with the infant and a 13-year-old son.
“He’s always been a quiet, nice guy,” Rivers said. “Every time I see him, he says, ‘What’s up.’ This morning I saw him. He walked outside with his son and I saw him. He smiled to me, said goodbye like normal and walked out. To me it was surprising, because he seemed like a really nice guy. He was really a good neighbor.”
Robert Boyd also said he had spoken with Phillips that morning.
“I was shocked when I came back home and saw all the police here,” Boyd said. “I was talking to him for five minutes this morning and didn’t detect anything like that or anything going on with him.”
Danielle Gray described a similar reaction as details spread through the complex.
“I called my husband, and I said you’re not going to believe what happened,” Gray said.
“It’s shocking. It’s truly shocking, and to find out who it was, heartbreaking. I’ve known them for years,” she added.
Phillips is facing charges including attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault with intent to cause severe bodily injury, and endangering the welfare of a child. He remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and a motive has not been released.
