Super-quick update today on the recent case of two-month-old Dawson McKinney, the tiny, precious little boy from Meridian, Idaho who died of traumatic closed head injuries earlier this month.

Dawson was born on March 9, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, brought there by ambulance with severe injuries on May 11, and baptized there on May 13. After a heroic four-day fight, Dawson passed away at the hospital with his daddy by his side on May 15. 

Dawson’s mother, 26-year-old Danielle Radue, was initially arrested on May 11 on a charge of injury to a child and subsequently made bail, but after her son’s death, her charge was amended to first-degree murder. Danielle was re-arrested on May 15 and has been detained in the Ada County Jail ever since. 

In court on Friday, May 29, Ada County Magistrate Judge Adam Kimball declined to lower Danielle’s bail, which remains at $1 million. At her arraignment on May 18, Danielle’s attorney had also requested her bond be reduced, but Ada County Magistrate Judge had also maintained her $1 million bond at that time. 

Judge Kimball also scheduled a preliminary hearing in Danielle’s case for July 17. The Idaho Press noted, “Preliminary hearing dates in Ada County are often moved, but online court records indicate this hearing was special set — meaning attorneys scheduled a block of time to devote to the hearing, and it will likely occur. Cases that include large amounts of evidence or testimony are typically special set.”

This case has raised some controversy due to some sources speculating, based on Facebook posts from Danielle’s husband, Adam McKinney, that Danielle may suffer from postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, which, if that is the case, may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding Dawson’s death. Some sources have said Dawson was injured after his mother threw him, fracturing his skull.

It will be interesting to see what results from the preliminary hearing on July 17. 

The GoFundMe campaign started by Adam’s cousin is ongoing to help the family pay for the significant medical expenses incurred during Dawson’s four-day hospital stay. You can donate to the campaign here.

Dawson’s viewing and memorial service was held at Bella Vida Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26. From his obituary:

“In Dawson’s short life he showed his family the meaning of love, compassion, kindness and faithfulness. He loved to sleep, cuddle with his mom and dad, eat and smile. Anyone who had the incredible opportunity to cuddle with Dawson became amazed at how much love they could feel for another human being.

“He taught his parents the value of love and strength. Dawson was just an infant, but taught so many people so many things. He continues to give his family strength and to bless us with the love and compassion of others…

“Dawson Jace McKinney’s wings were ready but our hearts were not. We love this precious little boy and will use his name to raise us up. We hope to always have a big smile like his and a heart as gold as his.”

“I love you Dawson,” Adam said on his Facebook page, “you’ll always be daddy’s little bear.”

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Sources: Idaho Press, Bella Vida Funeral Home