NASHUA, N.H. — A Nashua father is accused of causing more than 30 bone fractures to his 3‑month‑old son — including breaks to both femurs, the clavicle and several ribs — injuries court documents state resulted from squeezing the infant to stop him from crying.
Drew Babcock, 36, who investigators say admitted to causing the injuries, was charged with eight counts of first‑degree assault (domestic violence), a Class A felony, and was ordered held without bail following his arraignment on Monday in 9th Circuit Nashua District Court.
The Nashua Police said the investigation began the morning of March 13, when the Department of Children, Youth and Families alerted authorities after the infant was brought to a pediatrician for cold symptoms and was found to have unexplained bruising and concerns about his weight.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by police, further medical evaluation revealed fractures and injuries in various stages of healing, suggesting “recurring trauma.” The 3‑month‑old had 30 rib fractures, femur fractures in both legs, a clavicle fracture, fluid in the lungs, and “numerous bruises” on his forehead, neck and jaw.
The discovery prompted detectives from Nashua’s Special Investigations Division to take over the case.
The child’s mother told investigators the same day the injuries were discovered that the infant “always had bruising due to not vaccinating or providing supplements to him,” and that she did not believe the marks were alarming or suspicious, according to the affidavit.
She said the baby had been seen for three previous checkups and no concerns had been raised until this most recent visit.
The affidavit states the child’s mother further told investigators that earlier that morning, Babcock said he “needed to be honest” and told her, “I think I did this” to the infant.
She said Babcock admitted squeezing the baby to quiet him and feared he had used too much pressure, though he did not believe he had broken any bones. She told detectives he said he would “do the right thing” and turn himself in to police.
Detectives later interviewed Babcock at the Nashua Police Department.
In a voluntary recorded statement, he allegedly admitted that since the baby was about 1 month old, he had on multiple occasions “squeezed” him around the chest, stomach and rib cage, sometimes using what he estimated as half of his strength.
The affidavit states he said he had “lost control” because the infant was “extremely colicky and would not stop crying.”
Babcock also allegedly described placing his body weight on the child several times and admitted that he once punched the infant in the back to stop him from crying.
At the end of the interview, the affidavit states, Babcock wrote an apology letter addressed to his infant son.
An arrest warrant was then completed for the 36‑year‑old, and he was taken into custody on the evening of March 13.
A judge ordered Babcock held without bail, ruling that his release would pose a danger under New Hampshire’s preventive‑detention statute. The court also barred him from contacting either of his children unless permitted by DCYF.
Babcock is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The Nashua Police said in a press release announcing Babcock’s arrest that the infant’s injuries were serious, though the child’s current condition was not available.
DCYF implemented a safety plan for the couple’s older child and for the injured infant, according to the affidavit.
The Nashua Police Department urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Crime Line at 603-589-1665.
Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
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