WSBT is learning new information about the Berrien County man charged with murdering his 10-month-old son on Monday. Casey Ladd remains in the Berrien County Jail, in lieu of $1 million bond. He was charged with child abuse and murdering baby Aiden Ladd.
Did Aiden Ladd's mother fear for her children's safety under their father, Casey Ladd's care? On Tuesday, the child's mother, Brittany Ritlaw, told WSBT'S John Paul “never.”
Ritlaw also said, "there's no physical evidence (about abuse.) "The autopsy is being done because they don't know why he died. There's no evidence."
But police told WSBT what officers saw when they responded to Apartment 14 on Monday was a concern. And, doctors told investigators there were bruises all over the infant's body.
And then there's this: A woman who called WSBT from Montana and identified herself as Ritlaw's biological mother, told us a much different story, pointing to Ladd's criminal history.
WSBT checked and this is what we found:
In 2006: Ladd was charged with receiving stolen property and assault and battery.
In 2007: Ladd was charged with malicious destruction of personal property and domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to the destruction charge and received an 85 day jail sentence, fine and one year probation.
In 2009: Ladd pleaded guilty to drug possession.
In 2010: Ladd was charged with domestic violence and pleaded guilty.
In 2011: Ladd had another drug possession charge and pleaded guilty.
Regarding Aiden who would have soon turned 11 months old, "He didn't deserve parents like that. He deserved better," said Lana Enos, from her home in Montana. "Anybody who knows of abuse or suspects it please call 9-1-1. Children don't need to die."
