Excelsior Springs Man Indicted for Allegedly Shaking Infant, Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison

Liberty, MO — Noah Z. Odeh, a 25-year-old resident of Excelsior Springs, faces serious child endangerment charges following a grand jury indictment on allegations that he violently shook a young child, causing severe injuries. Clay County Circuit Court records confirm that the indictment was filed on November 12, charging Odeh with a class B felony of child endangerment stemming from an incident that took place on August 1, 2024.

According to court documents, Odeh allegedly shook the infant so forcefully that it resulted in significant physical harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the child’s current condition; however, Missouri law categorizes this level of child endangerment as among the most serious. Odeh is currently being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

Odeh appeared before Judge Timothy Flook on Thursday, November 14, at 1:30 p.m. for his arraignment hearing. Odeh pled not guilty and appeared without legal representation. His request for a public defender was granted, and his next court appearance was scheduled for December 6, 2024, at 9:00am. If convicted, Odeh could face a prison sentence of five to fifteen years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Shaken baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma (AHT), is a leading cause of serious injury and death in children under the age of two. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shaken baby syndrome occurs in approximately 1,300 cases in the United States each year. However, this number could be underestimated due to unreported cases.

The most common reason cited for shaking incidents is frustration due to prolonged crying, as caregivers, often unprepared or overwhelmed, may resort to shaking in a moment of stress. Studies show that crying peaks at around six weeks of age, which can increase caregiver frustration, leading to these harmful actions. According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, babies younger than one year are particularly vulnerable, with incidents occurring more frequently in children under six months old due to their lack of muscle control and the underdeveloped state of their brains, which makes them highly susceptible to injury from even short bursts of shaking.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support, resources, and referrals for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with mental health challenges, as well as for their loved ones. The hotline can be reached by calling or texting 1-833-852-6262.

For friends, family, and community members, simple acts can make a difference. Be mindful of new parents in your circle who might need extra support. Offering to give them a break or encouraging them to rest while their baby is safely in a crib can help ease stress. Sensitivity and understanding are especially valuable when parents face the challenges of a crying infant.