A Colorado man has been freed after charges of first-degree murder were dropped in the case involving the death of his girlfriend’s 10-month-old son. However, it was due to the inflammatory comments made by Fremont County District Attorney Linda Stanley during a press interview.
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In May 2023, William Jacobs,22, was initially accused of shaking Edward Hayes to death while babysitting at a Motel 6 room in Cañon City. He shared the room with his girlfriend of a few days, Brook Crawford,21, who reportedly worked the front desk during the incident. According to TOO FAB, the coroner’s report revealed that the infant died from blunt-force trauma to the head, and Jacobs was arrested on May 21 and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse causing death. Crawford faced charges of serious bodily injury and child abuse causing injury. While speaking with police, Jacobs claimed Edward was making gargling noises while he was changing his diaper and admitted to biting his arm while playing, plus hitting the baby’s head on a door frame while taking him to the bathroom. Jacobs was released on a personal recognizance bond on April 9, and Crawford allowed him to stay with her.
While speaking with ABC affiliate KRDO, Stanley criticized Jacobs and claimed he had “zero investment” in caring for Edward. “He has zero investment in this child. Zero. He’s watching that baby so he can get laid. That’s it. And have a place to sleep,” she explained. Stanley added that Crawford saw Jacobs as a live-in babysitter so she could work more hours. However, she speculates about the couple’s attitude towards Edward and says, “Without the caring factor, without the love factor, the baby is a pain in the**.”
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Just before her interview, Jacobs’ attorney sought to have his name taken off of the sex offender registry due to a juvenile offense involving his mother. The judge approved his removal from the list without his mother opposing the decision. Stanley also commented on this case and said, “He has a pretty awful past, including fondling his mom … It’s not good … It’s kinda weird … What kid fondles their mom, right?”
The charges against Jacobs were dismissed by Fremont County District Court Judge Kaitlin Turner, citing “knowing and intentionally outrageous government conduct by Stanley. She noted that her comments violated Jacobs’ right to due process and tainted the jury pool, making it impossible for a fair trial. Stanley is facing potential disbarment and an ethics complaint, with a hearing scheduled for June 10.