Milwaukee man pleads guilty in death of 9-month-old child

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man charged in the death of a 9-month-old child pleaded guilty in court Tuesday, Feb. 6. 

Anthony Cirra, 26, was convicted of second-degree reckless homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety; a third charge of bail jumping was dismissed. 

According to a criminal complaint, the child's parents knew Cirra through a mutual friend. 

In July of 2022, Cirra volunteered to watch their child while both parents were at work. Following their shift, the complaint says the child's mother noticed the boy's breathing was "labored and spaced out." There was also a bruise on the inside of his arm that was not there prior. 

The complaint says the mother wanted to take the child to the hospital, but Cirra said she was "overreacting." The next morning, the child's skin was pale, his lips were blue, and he was not breathing. The child's mother performed CPR and the while doing so, the complaint says, Cirra said he made a mistake and stated, "this is my fault."

When authorities interviewed Cirra, he admitted he dropped the car seat holding the child on the front porch steps. The complaint says while giving the boy a bath, Cirra told investigators he placed the child on the floor and his head struck the floor. Cirra allegedly made a phone call to his girlfriend, expressed frustration and indicated the child would not stop crying and fussing.

Investigators reported the child's injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma to the head. 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 8.