Father Charged with Murder in Death of 11-Year-Old Son

UPDATE: In a shocking development, Kyle T. Hinkle, 38, has been charged with third-degree murder in connection with the tragic death of his 11-year-old son, Leonardo Ramon Hinkle. Bensalem Township police confirmed the arrest, which took place on Monday in Allentown, as the investigation into the boy’s death intensifies.

Leonardo Hinkle died on February 16, 2024, with the Fayette County Coroner, Bob Baker, revealing that he succumbed to complications stemming from severe blunt force trauma due to abuse suffered years earlier. This heart-wrenching case dates back to a horrific incident in 2012, when Kyle Hinkle was arrested for shaking his infant son, leading to a guilty plea on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced to 12 to 24 months in prison, followed by two years of probation.

Authorities report that Leonardo lived under his father’s care in Bucks County at the time of his death. District Attorney Michael Aubele emphasized the importance of jurisdiction, stating, “Ultimately, that is where it happened, so that’s where it is being prosecuted.” He praised Coroner Baker for his commitment to ensuring justice for Leonardo, who required around-the-clock care due to the long-lasting effects of his earlier abuse.

Bensalem Township police indicated that Hinkle had no contact with his son since his 2012 arrest, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Leonardo’s tragic condition. Aubele added, “It would be real easy to just let something like this go, but he wanted to make sure this little boy got justice more than a decade after this incident happened. And we certainly appreciate that.”

Hinkle has been remanded to Bucks County jail on a staggering $2 million bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 2 at 9:15 a.m., where more details are expected to emerge. This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and the critical need for vigilance and justice for vulnerable children.

As this story develops, the community and advocates for child welfare are calling for a deeper examination of the systems in place to protect children from abuse. The impacts of this case resonate far beyond the courtroom, reminding us all of the urgent need to safeguard our most vulnerable.