Parents charged with homicide of infant son

The weekend of January 30 turned out to be a dreadful one for a nine-month-old boy who, along with his parents, was in Houston County.

The infant’s dad has been indentified of Christopher Scott Palmer, age 40 of New York. His mother is 26-year-old Shelly Deanna Rooks, and she is listed as a resident of Waynesville, Georgia. Information as to why the couple and child were in Warner Robins has not been released.

What we do know at this time is at 9:53 on that fateful night, officials of Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) were dispatched to 7001 Russell Parkway—the address of Buc-ee’s convenience store—in regard to the infant boy who was not breathing. WRPD were called upon to assist Peach County EMS. Also dispatched to the scene were members of Warner Robins Fire Department.

According to an official release distributed by WRPD, Palmer and Rooks claimed that the baby had been dropped as they were giving him a bath inside their motor vehicle (an RV).

The child was first transported to Atrium Navicent in Macon for treatment but was ultimately airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Sadly, on Friday morning, February 4, Warner Robins Police Department received the tragic news that the child had died. The cause of his death, however, was not determined to be as innocent as an accidental dropping during bath time.

The injuries found on the child during an investigation were identified as those caused by abuse—both past and present. Because of this, both Palmer and Rooks were taken into custody and are being held at Peach County Detention Center on multiple charges in the child’s death.

Based on information shared by WRPD, Palmer is being charged with cruelty to children, aggravated battery and felony murder, while Rooks’ charges are those of cruelty to children and murder in the 2nd degree.

Reportedly, there were two other minor children—siblings to the nine-month-old—who were also staying with the parents. The Department of Family and Children Services in Peach County took custody of both of them.

The investigation is ongoing at this time, and Detective John Richards, with the assistance of Detective Karmen Thompson, is the lead investigator.

Anyone with information that can help is asked to call either of the detectives at 478-302-5380. Alternatively, persons with information can reach out to Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

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