Stacie L. Patterson Law Blog

The San Diego Police Department may be calling 6-year-old Samuel Dahlke’s death a homicide.  Samuel was abused by his biological father weeks after his birth and as a result, suffered six years bedridden, blind and ill. In 2006, Stringfield was charged with felony child abuse on baby Samuel. A jury found him not guilty. However, he was convicted of the lesser offense of misdemeanor child abuse.

Samuel passed away on November 29. Authorities are investigating Billy Joe Stringfield III, Samuel’s biological father, to determine whether he should be held accountable for the death.

The San Diego District Attorney may decide to prosecute Stringfield with homicide for several reasons. Likely because it appears that Samuel’s death stemmed from injuries cause by abuse from his own dad, Stringfield, years ago. Also because the public outcry may pressure the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute this 6-year-old’s biological father – now seen as a “killer” of his own son. If the DA does indeed charge Stringfield with Samuel’s death, issues such as Double Jeopardy and the Statute of Limitations arise.

To read more about Samuel and the investigation, go to http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/03/ramona-boys-life-cut-short-abuse-infant/

If you are being charged with a crime from events that happened years ago, or for a crime you have already been charged and convicted of, call attorney Stacie L. Patterson (619) 269-8074.