THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160243
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
A man charged last year with the murder of his 10-month-old stepson was found guilty Wednesday after a two-day jury trial.
Jurors convicted Christopher Savage, 21, of second-degree murder and recommended an eight-year sentence. He faced a maximum of 40 years.
The infant, Calabe E. Urban, was found unconscious in an apartment on June 8, 1994, and rushed to DePaul Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The baby first appeared to have suffered cardiac arrest, but an examination found that the boy had died of internal injuries. It later came out in testimony that the boy was struck three times in the abdomen after he soiled himself.
However, the boy had more extensive injuries, and Andrew Sebok, Savage's attorney, contended the family had a history of child abuse. The child had suffered 10 fractured ribs a couple of weeks before he died, testimony showed. A dresser had also fallen on the boy the night before he died.
Detectives questioned Savage and the boy's pregnant mother, but made no arrests until the autopsy results came back.
Savage was arrested and charged with murder and felony child neglect two days after the baby died. The child neglect charge was eventually dropped. Detectives never charged the boy's mother.
The baby was found in the Savages' apartment in the 9600 block of Mason Creek Road after the couple called 911 about 8:30 a.m. that Wednesday, police said.
A 911 operator stayed on the line and coached the couple in cardiopulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived.
A neighbor who lived beneath the Savages' apartment told police she awoke around 6:15 a.m. that morning to ``constant banging'' on the floor of the Savages' bedroom. She told a reporter that the couple often fought.
Savage will be sentenced Jan. 5. His bond was revoked and he was sent to jail. ILLUSTRATION: Drawing
ALBA BRAGOLI
Prosecutor Lisa Caton makes a point during the two-day jury trial of
Christopher Savage, seated, while Judge William Rutherford and
Savage's lawyer, Andrew Sebok, look on.
KEYWORDS: MURDER CHILD ABUSE CHILD NEGLECT
TRIAL VERDICT by CNB