Welcoming a child into the world is a joyous occasion for any couple, but for one young couple, their happiness quickly turned into horror. While they appeared to be like any other excited parents expecting twins, what happened in the father’s care revealed a shocking betrayal. Read on to learn about this unimaginable act.
Savannah Bliss, the mother, revealed to the media that her newborn son, Gunner, was injured while under his father’s watch. At the time, Savannah was visiting Gunner’s twin sister in the NICU at WakeMed, leaving her husband alone with their children.
Gunner and Madelyn were born prematurely at 34 weeks and were still in the hospital when the incident occurred. Tragically, Gunner suffered severe injuries that ultimately led to his untimely death.
Noah Benjamin Bliss, a 22-year-old from Harnett County, faced charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and inflicting serious bodily injury on his son. The authorities arrested him at WakeMed in Raleigh, where the family was temporarily residing.
Savannah, devastated by the loss of her son, demanded justice. “I trusted my husband to watch Gunner while I was taking care of his sister in the ICU,” she said. Gunner, described as the sweetest baby with beautiful blue eyes, was taken away too soon. Savannah firmly believes that her husband’s actions were unforgivable.
The nursing staff at WakeMed informed Savannah that Gunner’s injuries indicated he had been violently shaken by his father. Although the baby had no visible external injuries or broken bones, he suffered from brain bleeding and swelling, resulting in oxygen deprivation. Sadly, Gunner was taken off life support on Monday night.
Noah Bliss appeared in court and was sent to jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for the coming month. Meanwhile, Savannah is left trying to understand how this tragedy unfolded. She never expected such a betrayal from a man she trusted and believed to be a loving father. “He seemed happy … like a proud father,” she said. “I trusted him, that was his daddy … he loved his babies.”
Savannah’s heartbreak and search for justice continue. In this unfortunate situation, our thoughts and prayers go out to Savannah as she grieves the loss of her innocent son.
