Arrest warrant issued for Kansas City man accused of 3-week-old’s abuse

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Kansas City man accused of abusing an infant after hospital scans revealed serious injuries.

Clay County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Friday, June 6, indicate that Dakota B. Hemphill, 26, of Kansas City, has been charged with two counts of child abuse.

A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that on Feb. 6, law enforcement officials were called to Children’s Mercy Hospital with reports of possible child abuse. Hospital staff reported that a 3-week-old girl had been brought in with injuries consistent with abuse.

Investigators noted that the child had originally been brought in with a femur fracture, however, scans also revealed several rib fractures, a tibia fracture, liver lacerations and further injuries.

Law enforcement officials noted that during an interview with the child’s parents, Hemphill claimed he had been changing a diaper and doing bicycle legs with the infant when he heard a “pop.” He claimed the other injuries were sustained when he allegedly rolled over on top of her as he held her in bed.

However, KD said witness interviews revealed that the child had never been in their bed at bedtime. During an interview with a forensic investigator in March, Hemphill doubled down on his claims.

As a result, Hemphill was charged with child abuse for “knowingly” causing the infant to suffer injury as a result of “moving the leg in a manner causing fracture,” as well as neglect for failing to seek medical care. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years behind bars.

A warrant was issued for Hemphill’s arrest on Friday. As of Monday, June 9, he does not appear to have been taken into custody. A court appearance has not yet been set.

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