A baby in Pennsylvania is fighting for his life after allegedly being stabbed by his father. Michael Phillips of Coatesville is facing charges, accused of attempting to take the life of his infant. The child’s mother reportedly tried to protect the little one, but Phillips was seemingly determined to commit the crime no matter what. Now, police are investigating what led him to try and kill his baby, and it appears he believed a higher power was telling him to do so. As the investigation continues, police may discover that something specific triggered the man to have a mental breakdown, but that has yet to be determined.
Police were called to a home about 11:30 a.m. February 11, 2026, the Chester County District Attorney shared in a news release on social media. When they arrived, the 3-month-old child’s mother told police that Phillips, 44, made comments to her about having to sacrifice their baby.
He then charged at her with a knife, attempting to stab the baby multiple times, but only hitting him once in the abdomen, she alleged. His wife then grabbed the baby and her 9-year-old son, telling the older boy to run and get help.
“His older son, the 9-year-old, came to our front stoop,” neighbor Jim Gemmell told NBC 10. “We went downstairs and he was like, ‘He’s going to kill my baby. He’s going to kill my baby.’ And I told him, ‘Tell me where to go.’”
As Gemmell tried to help, Phillips followed his wife outside. He reportedly grabbed the baby out of her arms, throwing him into the snow, according to the criminal complaint obtained by NBC 10. Believing the baby was dead, the wife threw herself on top of him. When police arrived, a neighbor handed them the baby.
The baby was taken to Paoli Trauma Center, where he underwent surgery for the deep abdominal stab wound. He was then flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.
Police officers at the scene found a bloody kitchen knife wrapped in a blanket on the bed inside the bedroom, according to the criminal complaint, NBC 10 reported.
Michael Phillips had blood on his shirt when he was arrested. He allegedly told police, “This was all part of God’s plan,” adding, “I did it God, I did it.”
“I called my husband, and I said you’re not going to believe what happened,” neighbor Danielle Gray told WPVI. She said that Phillips and his family had lived in the apartment complex for years. “It’s shocking. It’s truly shocking, and to find out who it was, heartbreaking. I’ve known them for years.”
A family friend has started a GoFundMe account for the baby’s mother and her boys. “Right now, his mom is living through an unimaginable crisis. Her baby boy is in critical condition in the hospital with serious injuries. She has remained by his side every moment, pouring all of her strength into being there for him as he fights to heal,” the fundraiser reads. It has raised over $46,000 of its $50,000 goal so far.
Michael Phillips was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, possessing an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person, per NBC 10.
Phillips was supposed to be arraigned the night of February 11, but a judge delayed the arraignment after the father failed to answer basic questions and asked God for forgiveness. He was taken to Chester County Prison and was denied bail.
“Yesterday Coatesville Police and local EMS heroically worked to give this infant a chance to survive. Our thoughts go to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe shared in the news release.
Coatesville City Police Chief Jack Laufer added, “I am incredibly proud of all the first responders who stepped up in the wake of yesterday’s tragedy and am thankful for their partnership.”
