Police: Father hits baby in face

A man faces child abuse charges after police said he hit his 4-month-old son in the face, causing the baby to hit his head on a nightstand and fracture his skull. 

Police said Yosi Mahlab, 30, called 911 on Saturday to report that his 4-month-old son, Javon, was unconscious. 

The child was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where doctors found he had a skull fracture, subdural bleeding, a retinal hemorrhage and bleeding in the brain, police said. 

According to police, Mahlab admitted that he hit the baby in the face twice, causing the child to slip off his lap and hit his head on a night table. 

Police said doctors found that the baby has no brain activity, and he is not expected to survive.

In court Friday, Mahlab's sister and brother-in-law begged the judge to get him help.

"We know what he did, and we know he's supposed to get punishment, but just if he can be evaluated with a psychologist to check him because probably something is mentally wrong with this guy," said his brother-in-law.

The baby's mother said she was shocked that Mahlab lost his temper so severely. She said she wants justice.

Mahlab was arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm and torture. He is being held at the Miami-Dade County Jail on $200,000 bond.

If Mahlab posts bond, he will be under house arrest and will not be allowed to see his son.