U.S. Army Wife Pleads Guilty to Murdering Infant Son
An Army wife stationed at Fort Eisenhower in Georgia has pleaded guilty to the murder of her infant son. April Evalyn Short, 31, admitted to second-degree murder after her 11-month-old baby was found stabbed to death in a shower curtain. The incident occurred on November 15, 2023, at Fort Eisenhower. Short’s husband, a U.S. Army staff sergeant, became concerned when he received a series of ominous texts from his wife that contained biblical references. Upon returning home, he discovered their baby bleeding from the neck, wrapped in a shower curtain in the bathtub. Despite efforts to save him, the baby was pronounced dead at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.
Sentencing and Plea Agreement
As part of the negotiated plea agreement, April Evalyn Short will serve 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her son. In addition to the prison term, she will face substantial financial penalties and five years of supervision upon her release. U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons confirmed the details of the plea agreement, stating that there is no parole in the federal system.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to court documents, Short allegedly sent her husband cryptic texts with biblical references on the morning of the incident. Concerned about the nature of the messages, he rushed home and discovered the horrifying scene in their bathroom. Their two other children, aged 11 and 6, were in a nearby bedroom at the time but were instructed by Short not to enter the bathroom. An autopsy report revealed that the baby had been stabbed and slashed multiple times in the neck with two different knives, one of which was serrated. Short admitted to authorities that the first knife was too dull, necessitating the use of a second weapon.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit is currently investigating this alleged murder on a military base. April Evalyn Short remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service, and her sentencing will be carried out by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall following a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services. The disturbing nature of this case has prompted strong reactions from law enforcement officials. FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated that while the plea agreement does not undo the tragedy and loss, it brings a measure of justice to those impacted by the child’s untimely death.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of April Evalyn Short in the murder of her infant son has brought some closure to this tragic case. The details of the incident and subsequent investigation have shocked the community at Fort Eisenhower. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the innocent life lost and providing support to those affected by this heartbreaking event.
