Father of Imprisoned Drunk Driver’s Baby Being Investigated for Child Abuse

June 9, 2024

On March 21, 2022, 24-year-old Jayana Webb killed two state troopers and a pedestrian in South Philadelphia on I-95. Her blood alcohol level when the crash occurred was nearly thrice the legal limit at .211. Local media outlets covered the case extensively at the time. 

Now, Webb is appearing on the news for a new reason—her connection to an infant abuse case involving her two-month-old son, who is in the care of his father, Tahir Riley. Law enforcement and legal teams have been swift to investigate. If you need assistance with a child abuse case, contact the LLF Law Firm offices at 888.535.3686 or this contact form.  

The Background of the Case 

After her arrest, Jayana Webb secured bail and later became pregnant by 27-year-old Tahir Riley. By the time she pled guilty and was sentenced to 27.5 to 60 years in prison, she was seven months along. The baby was born in February 2024, after which Webb began serving her sentence. 

With Webb in prison, Riley has full custody of their son. Riley’s mother, Kimberly Dean, assists with childcare. On April 18, she watched the baby throughout the day, recalling that he was healthy and unharmed before Riley arrived home and took over. The injuries likely occurred overnight, as Dean discovered them around 9:00 a.m. on April 19 and immediately took the baby to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for medical attention. 

The Baby’s Injuries 

According to medical professionals, the baby suffered a skull fracture and bruising in the area between his left eye and left ear. His head also measured three centimeters larger than it did at a checkup just four days prior, indicating swelling and brain bleeds. 

The Story From the Accused 

Riley states that he does not know what caused his son’s injuries. He provided the following timeline of events: 

  • 11:00 p.m. on April 18: Riley watched TV while feeding the baby, put him in his bassinet, and fell asleep. 
  • 3:00 a.m. on April 19: Riley fed the baby, put him back in the bassinet, and fell asleep again. 
  • 7:00 a.m. on April 19: Riley fed the baby, placed him in a swing seat, and went back to sleep. 
  • 9:00 a.m. on April 19: Riley awoke to Dean alerting him to the baby’s injuries. 

Although Riley denied noticing any injuries before Dean pointed them out, he speculated that he may have been too rough handling the baby’s body or legs while changing his diaper sometime during the night. 

Riley is now charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, reckless endangerment, and child endangerment. A preliminary hearing will take place on May 29. Until then, he is being held on $1 million bail. 

Charged With Child Abuse in Pennsylvania? 

Child abuse is a serious crime. If you are facing such charges in Pennsylvania, you need to protect your rights and ensure a fair investigation. Schedule a consultation with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out a contact form.  

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