Former Creston resident charged with first degree murder of baby in Atlantic

ATLANTIC — A man who formerly resided in Creston was charged April 4 with murder in the first degree and child endangerment, stemming from a January incident.

Corbin M. Loudermilk, 25, of Atlantic, is being held in Cass County on a $1 million bond.

According to a Cass County report, Loudermilk and his 3-week old baby’s mother were at their home on Maple Street in Atlantic with their baby and Loudermilk’s mother the morning of Jan. 4. The baby’s mom said she fed the baby her normal bottle and then set her back in the bassinet next to the bed. When she left the room to do laundry, Loudermilk was still asleep.

When she came back to the bedroom, Loudermilk was standing in the middle of the room holding the baby. The mom questioned why the baby was awake, to which Loudermilk said she had been crying. The mom noticed the baby was limp and called 911.

After the infant was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Omaha, it was discovered the baby was critically ill with severe head intracranial hemorrhages/edema and retinal hemorrhage. Doctors stated the injuries to be consistent with head trauma, most likely from impact or shaking. An autopsy performed Jan. 10 ruled out natural and/or accidental causes. The manner of death was listed as homicide.

In July 2019, Loudermilk was the caretaker of a minor child in Creston. When the child was returned to the mother, the child appeared to have injuries. After being taken to Greater Regional Medical Center, the child was determined to have numerous injuries including a fractured clavicle and significant bruising to the face, head neck and legs. It was determined to not be accidental trauma.

In August 2020, Loudermilk pled guilty to child endangerment resulting in bodily injury, admitting he used “an unreasonable amount of force” on the child.

Loudermilk’s initial appearance is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 17 at the Cass County Courthouse.