Police in Lincoln, Nebraska, arrested a couple after their 4-month-old daughter died from injuries that doctors linked to shaken baby syndrome. Initially, the authorities took Ryan Greenwood, 36, and Tanya Greenwood, 28, into custody in connection with the infant’s death.

Eventually, both parents were charged, and they remain in Lancaster County Jail on $1.5 million bond each. Prosecutors have filed charges, and the couple is awaiting arraignment and trial, according to court documents.

Emergency responders rushed the baby to a nearby hospital after she was found unresponsive by 911 workers on August 14. At the hospital, specialists diagnosed a traumatic brain injury. A child abuse expert eventually confirmed the injuries were non-accidental and consistent with violent shaking. Experts explain that shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is one of the most preventable causes of infant death, and even a few seconds of violent shaking can result in catastrophic brain damage or death. Infants’ neck muscles are too weak to protect the brain from rapid movement, making them especially vulnerable (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2024).

According to police reports, Ryan admitted he had played “roughly” with his daughter the day before her collapse, after which she began crying uncontrollably. Tanya told investigators that when she returned home from grocery shopping, she heard what she described as “the worst cry” of her life. She said she wanted to seek medical care but claimed Ryan discouraged her. Court records also revealed text messages in which Tanya asked Ryan about bruises and other injuries she noticed on the baby, and witnesses testified that she had previously seen Ryan shake the infant when frustrated.

Police arrested Ryan on August 26, followed by Tanya on August 28. Both parents were booked into Lancaster County Jail, where a judge set their bonds at $1.5 million each.

Child safety advocates stress the importance of education and awareness. They warn that delaying medical care in suspected abuse cases can drastically worsen outcomes beyond the initial harm. This case has reignited conversations about how communities can better support new parents, provide resources for stress management, and prevent future tragedies caused by child abuse.

Reference:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. Preventing Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Young Children. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/abusive-head-trauma.html.

(Rh/ARC/MSM)