30-01-2025
Chambers Co. Judge denies bond for man who allegedly tried to kill infant daughter
CHAMBERS COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — A judge has ruled Joshua Denham, 29, will be held without bond following a hearing under Aniah's Law, which allows courts to deny bail for certain violent allegations.
Denham, 29, is accused of attempted murder and aggravated child abuse of his 4-month-old daughter, who allegedly suffered significant head trauma caused by violent shaking. The baby's current medical condition has not been disclosed. The child's mother shared a picture of the baby taken in the hospital. The baby looks alert as she continues to recover. Denham will be held without bond in Randolph County Detention because the baby's mother is a correctional officer in Chambers County.
During the January 29 pre-trial detention hearing, the prosecution argued Denham is a danger to the community, his family and poses a flight risk due to the severity of the charges and potential life sentence. Testimony from Chambers County Sheriff's Investigator Jeff Hinkle and Randolph County Sheriff's Investigator Randy Moore outlined the evidence against Denham, including medical reports alleging injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
The defense did not call witnesses but argued there was no clear timeline proving when or how the baby was allegedly injured. However, the court found the State's evidence compelling and ruled releasing Denham would pose a serious risk to public safety.
Denham was arrested after investigators determined he was the sole caretaker of his infant daughter during two suspected incidents of violent shaking—one allegedly occurring overnight on January 15 and another shortly before a 911 call on January 21.
According to medical reports cited in court documents, the baby allegedly began showing symptoms of distress on January 16, including vomiting and refusing bottles. Her condition allegedly worsened over several days until she became limp and unresponsive, prompting her mother to call 911.
Medical examinations allegedly revealed both subacute and acute subdural hemorrhages, injuries associated with severe acceleration and deceleration forces, along with extensive bilateral retinal hemorrhages—strong indicators of inflicted head trauma, according to investigators.
WRBL has learned Denham was out on bond for previous child abuse allegations involving his young son stemming from a February 2024 indictment in Randolph County. In that case, Denham faces charges of domestic violence strangulation or suffocation and aggravated child abuse against a child under six years old. The indictment alleges Denham used his forearm to compress the young boy's neck, causing asphyxia, and struck the child multiple times, inflicting significant injuries to the face and body.
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