A 31-year-old Wisconsin man, Jaimann Eiland, is facing felony charges after allegedly throwing a one-year-old girl from a second-story balcony. Eiland was arrested on March 15 following the incident, which took place at the Milwaukee home of the child’s mother, Shakira Walters. The age of Walters was not disclosed.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 13, following a heated argument between Walters and Eiland. The dispute escalated when Walters heard her baby crying, and Eiland allegedly threatened Walters with a knife, according to a criminal complaint obtained by local media.
The complaint further alleges that Eiland grabbed the toddler by her head and dangled her over the balcony before dropping her onto the wet lawn below, narrowly missing an air conditioning unit. Eiland then allegedly physically assaulted Walters.
In an interview with a local ABC affiliate, Walters expressed her anger and fear over the incident, stating that her daughter could have been seriously injured or killed. Despite the fall, the child only suffered minor bruising. Walters, however, believes that Eiland was attempting to murder her child.
The investigation was initiated when officers responded to Froedtert Hospital, where Walters and her daughter sought medical attention following the altercation. The child was treated for minor injuries, while Walters received treatment for a sprained finger, a forehead laceration requiring stitches, a swollen hand, and leg pain. Her shirt was also reportedly stained with blood.
A bloody knife was discovered at the scene, according to the police report. Following his arrest, Eiland allegedly told police that he and Walters had been in a “tug-of-war” with the child prior to him throwing her off the balcony. He reportedly admitted that the fight had escalated beyond control after the child’s fall, but denied going overboard.
Eiland is currently being held at the Milwaukee County Jail, charged with substantial battery with a domestic abuse modifier and child abuse. His bail was set at $15,000 during a court appearance on March 17. If he manages to post bail, he will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device and is prohibited from contacting Walters and other family members. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 24.