Havre man charged with injuring baby

A Havre man is accused of seriously injuring his infant daughter by shaking her, Havre police said today.

John J. Lemro Jr., 27, was charged Friday with felony aggravated assault. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted. He was arrested Friday and remained in the Hill County Detention Center this morning.

His 6-week-old daughter was listed in good condition at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls this morning. The infant's mother, Tawnia Eastman, could not be reached for comment this morning.

Havre Assistant Police Chief George Tate said today the infant's condition was "critical but improving last week." Police were called about the incident on May 8.

Court documents said Lemro took the infant to Eastman's workplace after the infant became lethargic and started twitching. The two took the baby to Northern Montana Hospital, where she was diagnosed with twitching and convulsions due to having blood on the brain, court documents said.

The infant was flown to the Great Falls hospital, accompanied by her parents, the document said.

Dr. Jerry Eichner, who treated the baby at Benefis, told police there was evidence of two injuries to the infant's brain and she is likely to have a permanent disability, the document said.

Eichner said the injuries were likely caused by someone shaking the infant, the document said.