HAZEL PARK, Mich. – An Oakland County father is facing up to 30 years in prison after authorities say he purposefully inflicted horrific injuries on his 4-week-old son.
Cody Patterson, 20, of Hazel Park, was arraigned Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, on three counts of second-degree child abuse. The charges stem from an Oct. 1 incident where police were called to a Hazel Park home after the infant was discovered with visible bruising above his left eye and severe distress in his right shoulder.
Following an examination at a local hospital, medical staff revealed the infant had suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to both arms, legs, and ribs. According to authorities, the fractures were in various stages of healing, indicating that the abuse was not an isolated event.
Patterson reportedly admitted to investigators that he struggled to cope with the baby’s crying and admitted to taking the child into a bathroom to intentionally injure his limbs out of frustration.
During Monday’s arraignment, Oakland County Magistrate Michael G. Mitchell expressed shock at the nature of the allegations. “One of the more abhorrent cases I’ve read,” Mitchell said. “Certainly seems to me that there is an extremely high likelihood of conviction.”
Prosecutors noted that Patterson has a recent criminal history, including an active domestic violence charge from Warren for which he was arraigned on Sept. 23. Because he was already out on bond for that offense, he was ineligible for a personal bond in this case.
Magistrate Mitchell set bond at $500,000, 10% cash/surety. Should he be released, Patterson is subject to strict conditions, including a total prohibition on contact with children, a mandate to remain at least 500 feet away from the residence where the abuse occurred, and an order to participate in court-ordered mental health treatment.
When given the opportunity to speak during the proceedings, Patterson attempted to address the court regarding his personal struggles at home. “May I explain to you the things I do have going on at home and the things that I do have going wrong at home that I’m not getting the support from?” he asked. He was quickly cut off and advised by his attorney to remain silent.
A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Oct. 13 via Zoom, followed by a preliminary examination on Oct. 20. If convicted on all three counts—each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years—Patterson faces a potential three-decade prison sentence.
The infant remains hospitalized under the care of medical staff and Child Protective Services.
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