Charges have been reinstated against William Jacobs, a Colorado man accused of killing a 10-month-old baby he was babysitting at a Motel 6 in 2023.
According to court records, Jacobs was originally arrested and charged with murder and child abuse following the death of Edward Hayes in Cañon City.
Authorities said Jacobs was the last person caring for the infant before the child was found dead.
Charges Were Previously Dropped
The charges against Jacobs were dismissed in 2024 after a district court judge ruled that comments made publicly by former prosecutor Linda Stanley violated ethical standards.
The judge described the prosecutor’s media comments as “outrageous government conduct.”
However, the Colorado Court of Appeals recently reversed that decision, ruling that the prosecutor’s comments did not justify dismissing the criminal charges.
The appeals court stated that the comments had no impact on the original filing of charges against Jacobs.
Prosecutor Made Controversial Public Statements
According to reports, Linda Stanley spoke publicly about the case during a 2023 interview.
Stanley claimed Jacobs had no connection to the child and was babysitting in an effort to pursue a relationship with the boy’s mother.
The former prosecutor was later disbarred and removed from office in November 2024 over unrelated ethical violations.
Investigators Alleged Signs of Abuse
Court documents reportedly stated that Jacobs met the child’s mother while staying at the Motel 6 where she worked as a front desk clerk.
Authorities said the pair later moved into the motel room where Edward Hayes was eventually found dead.
Investigators alleged the infant showed signs of abuse.
According to reports, Jacobs admitted during a police interview to biting the child on the arm while playing and accidentally hitting the child’s head on a door frame.
Suspect Expected to Be Rearrested
Following the appeals court ruling, authorities say William Jacobs is expected to be rearrested in the coming days.
The criminal case will now move forward again in Colorado courts.
