Idaho father sentenced for shaking and dropping his 4-month-old son, killing him

BOISE, Idaho (TCD) -- A 25-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for shaking and dropping his 4-month-old son, killing him.

The Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Monday, May 22, that Ada County District Judge James Cawthon sentenced Thomas Rowley to life with at least 25 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

On June 20, 2020, the Attorney’s Office said Rowley severely shook his son, Milo, and dropped him face first into his crib. Rowley reportedly waited more than four hours to call for help.

Milo was transported to a local hospital, where he died due to a fatal brain injury.

According to the Attorney’s Office, "Though this shaking incident caused Milo’s death, it was determined Mr. Rowley hit and shook Milo on several occasions prior to his death."

A jury convicted Rowley of first-degree murder in March of this year.

In a statement, Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said, "I recognize no sentence handed down today can ease the unbearable loss to Milo’s family. On behalf of my office, I extend our sincerest condolences to Milo’s mother and family."

Bennetts continued, "The abuse and homicide of a child is heartbreaking, and I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts by all who worked on this case, from my trial team, the medical experts, to the Boise Police Detectives whose dedication and hard work on this homicide allowed my office to successfully prosecute and serve justice in this case."

MORE:

• Boise man sentenced for first-degree murder of four-month-old son — Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office