Homewood Teen Charged with Attempted Homicide After Brutal Assault on 10-Month-Old Infant
The Homewood community in Pittsburgh is reeling from a deeply distressing incident that has sparked outrage, grief, and renewed calls for stronger child protection measures. Eighteen-year-old Dominic Pinnick has been arrested and charged with a series of violent crimes, including attempted homicide, after allegedly brutally assaulting a 10-month-old baby in what police are calling one of the most disturbing child abuse cases the city has seen in recent memory.
A Community Shaken to Its Core
What began as an emergency call for a severely injured child has quickly escalated into a criminal investigation that has shocked an entire neighborhood. Police say officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a residence in the Homewood South area following reports of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, they discovered a 10-month-old baby with visible and severe injuries.
The child was immediately transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where doctors confirmed the infant had suffered blunt force trauma, multiple fractures, facial injuries, and internal bleeding. Hospital staff, alarmed by the extent and nature of the wounds, notified the authorities. Doctors concluded the injuries were “non-accidental” and consistent with violent physical abuse.
Arrest of Dominic Pinnick
Within hours of the hospital report, Pittsburgh Police arrested Dominic Pinnick, an 18-year-old who was reportedly caring for the child at the time of the assault. Though the exact nature of his relationship to the child has not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that Pinnick had access to the infant and was alone with the baby when the injuries occurred.
Pinnick was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and several related offenses. According to arrest records, he gave inconsistent statements during interviews, eventually admitting to striking the baby out of frustration. Law enforcement officials called the crime “unthinkable” and “beyond comprehension.”
He is currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail without bond, awaiting his preliminary hearing.
Medical Condition of the Infant
As of the latest reports, the 10-month-old child remains in critical condition. The infant is receiving round-the-clock care and undergoing multiple medical interventions to address the life-threatening injuries. Doctors are cautiously monitoring for signs of brain damage and other long-term complications.
A spokesperson for the hospital stated, “The child’s condition is extremely serious. We are doing everything in our power to stabilize and support this young life.”
An Outpouring of Grief and Outrage
The brutality of the attack has left the Homewood neighborhood deeply shaken. Residents have organized vigils and prayer circles, leaving flowers, stuffed animals, and hand-written messages outside the hospital and the child’s home. The incident has sparked conversations about not only the horror of child abuse, but also the importance of community vigilance.
“This is devastating. There are no words,” said local pastor Rev. Lisa Thompkins, who led a small gathering of residents outside the hospital. “No child should suffer like this. We must do better.”
Social services agencies and child protection groups across Pittsburgh have voiced their concerns, demanding a closer look into how such a violent act could happen and whether any previous signs of abuse were missed.
Investigation Ongoing
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Allegheny County’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) have both launched investigations into the case. Authorities are reviewing the infant’s medical history and family circumstances to determine if there had been earlier indicators of neglect or violence.
“We’re treating this as a top priority case,” said Chief Investigator Dana Mitchell. “The level of trauma inflicted on this infant is horrific, and we will ensure that justice is pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
The District Attorney’s Office is expected to seek a full prosecution, and it remains unclear whether additional charges may be filed as more facts come to light.
Calls for Reform and Vigilance
In the wake of this tragedy, child advocates and community leaders are calling for stronger policies and public education campaigns around child welfare. This includes enhanced screening for caregivers, increased funding for mental health support, and community-based programs that can identify at-risk households before tragedy strikes.
“We can’t afford to be reactive anymore,” said Melanie Carter of Pittsburgh’s Child Advocacy Center. “We need to invest in prevention — in support systems, in outreach, and in training so people know what to look for and how to act.”
A Plea for Justice and Healing
As the baby fights for life and the legal process unfolds, the people of Homewood are standing together — not just in grief, but in resolve. Candlelight vigils continue, and support is pouring in from across the city for the child’s family and for emergency responders shaken by the incident.
While nothing can undo the damage done, the community is united in its call for justice — and in its hope that no other child will suffer such unimaginable harm.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Pennsylvania, call the 24-hour ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. Your voice could save a life.