by Coatesville, Pennsylvania — A 44-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault after authorities say he stabbed his 3-month-old child during a violent incident inside a Coatesville home.
According to a statement posted by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Michael Phillips was arrested following the attack, which occurred last week.
Mother describes chaotic scene
An affidavit filed by Detective Corporal Kirt Guyer of the City of Coatesville Police Department outlines the allegations.
The child’s mother, Dominique Cialini, told investigators that Phillips had made disturbing remarks before the attack.
According to the affidavit, Cialini said Phillips was “staring at her blankly and making comments about having to sacrifice the baby.”
Authorities allege that Phillips then approached and stabbed the infant in the abdomen.
The affidavit states that he attempted to stab the baby multiple times but inflicted at least one deep wound.
Cialini told police she fled the home with the infant and her 9-year-old son, instructing the older child to seek help and call 911. Investigators say Phillips followed her outside, forcibly took the baby and at one point threw the infant into the snow.
The mother reportedly shielded the child while waiting for emergency assistance. She also sustained lacerations to her fingers during the incident, according to court documents.
Infant hospitalized
Officials said the baby was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where the child was admitted to the intensive care unit.
At the time of the department’s public statement, the infant was listed in critical but stable condition. Updated information on the child’s current condition has not been released.
Statements to investigators
According to the affidavit, Phillips allegedly made statements referencing religion during the incident. The mother also told investigators she believed Phillips may have been experiencing a mental health crisis and noted he had a history of substance abuse.
Phillips has been charged with:
- Attempted homicide
- Aggravated assault
- Additional related offenses
He remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not released additional details beyond those included in court filings. The incident remains under investigation. As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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