AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – On May 17, 2025, at approximately 2:13 p.m., the Augusta County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive, non-breathing infant at a residence on Meade Park Circle in Verona.

Emergency medical personnel from Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad and Augusta County Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. Life-saving measures were initiated, and the infant was successfully resuscitated before being transported to Augusta Health. The infant was airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center for advanced medical care by helicopter.

According to a release from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, a joint investigation involving medical personnel, law enforcement, and Child Protective Services determined that the infant had sustained life-threatening injuries consistent with physical harm. Investigators learned that the infant was in the care of the father at the time the injuries occurred.

On May 20, 2025, the infant was taken off life support and was pronounced deceased at UVA Medical Center. The infant’s remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manassas for autopsy.

The infant’s father, Blake Matthew Clark, 25, of Verona, was arrested by deputies later that day from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and charged with one count of Felony Child Abuse and Neglect in violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-371.1.

Clark was booked into the Middle River Regional Jail and held without bond.

As the investigation progressed, additional information and evidence were obtained. On June 1, 2025, Clark was formally charged with Felony Murder, in violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-33.

Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation is ongoing.