Father Going to Prison for 15 Years After Killing Infant Son Days Before Christmas

A Buffalo man will spend 15 years behind bars for the tragic death of his 5-month-old son following an incident that took place in late 2022, just five days before Christmas. The Erie County District Attorney's Office confirmed the sentencing on Thursday.

Benjamin Rodriguez, now 43, admitted to fatally injuring his infant son, Micah Rodriguez, after violently shaking the child at their home on Crestwood Avenue on December 20th, 2022.

The injuries, which included severe trauma to the baby's head and neck, led to Micah’s death shortly after he was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital.

Authorities responded to the Crestwood Avenue residence that day after receiving a report about an unresponsive infant. Despite emergency efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In March 2024, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, a charge that carried a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

He was ultimately sentenced to a 15-year prison term followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Father Going to Prison for 15 Years After Killing Infant Son