Overview
- First responders were called to an Orrington home on Jan. 16 for 12-week-old Lyla Samuels, who was taken to a Bangor hospital and later died on Jan. 18.
- State police said the Major Crimes Unit opened an investigation and initially arrested Shawn Samuels on Jan. 17 on domestic violence elevated aggravated assault and two bail-violation counts.
- After a Jan. 19 autopsy, the medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide with the cause pending final tests, and detectives charged Samuels with murder at the county jail.
- A probable cause affidavit says the autopsy found four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and brain swelling consistent with an acceleration–deceleration injury, and it quotes Samuels acknowledging he was the only person with Lyla and responding "yeah" when asked if he caused the injuries.
- Authorities describe the case as isolated and ask anyone with information to call 207-973-3700 ext. 9 for Detective Dana Austin or submit a tip online, and court records show Samuels remains held with another hearing next month.