Welcoming a child into the world is a joyous occasion for any couple. But for one young couple, their happiness took a tragic turn when their newborn son was injured while in his father’s care. Learn more about this heart-wrenching incident and the search for justice.
Savannah Bliss, a mother from WakeMed, shared her devastating story with the media. She explained that her newborn son, Gunner, was harmed while she was visiting Gunner’s twin sister in the NICU. Gunner and his sister, Madelyn, were born premature at 34 weeks and were still receiving treatment at the hospital when the incident occurred.
Noah Benjamin Bliss, a 22-year-old father from Harnett County, was arrested at WakeMed and now faces first-degree murder charges, as well as charges of child abuse and inflicting serious bodily injury on the baby. The shocking incident took place on October 6 of this year.
“I want justice for my son,” pleaded Savannah Bliss. “I trusted my husband to watch Gunner while I was taking care of his sister in the ICU. He was the sweetest boy with the most beautiful blue eyes… he was the best baby. For him to be taken from us so soon is utterly wrong.”
The family was temporarily residing at WakeMed’s Heart Center Inn, a space provided for families with loved ones in the hospital. According to Savannah, nursing staff informed her that Gunner’s injuries indicated he had been violently shaken by his father.
Gunner suffered from head trauma, including brain bleeding and swelling, which resulted in oxygen deprivation. Tragically, he was taken off life support on Monday night. Noah Bliss appeared in court where he was remanded without bail and his next court date is scheduled for the coming month.
Savannah, still in a state of shock, is struggling to understand what happened. “He seemed happy, like a proud father,” she recalled. “I never imagined something like this could happen. I trusted him, he was Gunner’s daddy… he loved his babies.”
Savannah is determined to seek justice for her innocent son. This heart-wrenching incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and trust when it comes to the safety and care of our children.
