Investigators with the White County Sheriff's Office are awaiting autopsy results before upgrading charges against a soldier accused of beating his five-month-old stepson.

The incident happened April 14th at a home in McRae, when 27-year-old Patrick West of Beebe was allegedly left alone with his wife's five month old infant son. West called 911, saying the child had stopped breathing.

The baby died Sunday at Arkansas Children's Hospital as a result of numerous skull fractures.

According to authorities, West is out on bond, facing one charge of first-degree battery. If convicted, he faces 40 years to life in prison.

Investigators say West was on leave from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Officials are not aware of any prior criminal history.

(Chief Deputy Jeremy Clark, White County) “We've already been in touch with the prosecutor. We'll sit down, he'll review that case and make the determination whether or not to upgrade charges--and what to upgrade them too, if that decision is made."

The child's name hasn't been released.

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