A Sioux Falls man is accused of murdering his eight-week-old son on Saturday.
"The injuries were very extensive and would shock most people," Lt. Terrence Matia said during a Tuesday news conference.
Dylan Castimore is charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree manslaughter in the death of his son, Daxton.
The 22-year-old was arrested late Tuesday morning at a relative's house, Matia said.
Law enforcement discovered blood throughout Dylan's apartment and a recording of hitting and crying noises, according to an affidavit from a Sioux Falls police officer.
An autopsy ruled the death a homicide caused by a skull fracture. Daxton also had visible bruising, a lacerated liver and broken ribs.
Dylan called 911 at 11:46 p.m. on Nov. 27 to say Daxton was coughing up blood and not moving, according to the affidavit. Medics arrived to find the boy unconscious and not breathing. Daxton later died at a hospital.
Dylan told police that Daxton hadn't been hurt since Nov. 22, when he took him to the hospital after the cat scratched Daxton and gave him a black eye. He said Daxton's mother was at work during the incident on the 27th.
The affidavit says officers searched the apartment where they found blood stains in multiple rooms.
"Some things on scene seemed consistent that an assault might have occurred," Matia said.
The affidavit says officers later watched surveillance footage that shows Dylan walking into the apartment with a baby carrier at 11:07 a.m. on Nov. 27. No one else entered the home until medics arrived.
The footage also allegedly includes sounds of cries, slaps, hits, thuds and a male voice saying "Daxton" and "wake up."
Minnehaha County prosecutors charged Dylan on Tuesday after the Monday autopsy.
Matia said Dylan might face more search warrants and charges. No one else is expected to be charged.
Dylan has misdemeanor and felony domestic violence convictions from 2018, 2019 and 2021, court records show.
Dylan wrote a message on his Facebook page about Daxton's death and posted a photo of himself crying and holding his son's baby blanket.
"I can't stop holding your blanket Daxton. I love you and I'm so sorry your life was short lived," Dylan wrote. "You stared into daddy's eyes as your final moments passed. Daddy and mommy will always love you, I tried so hard to save you."
Daxton is the fifth non-vehicle homicide victim in Sioux Falls this year.
