Man Accused Of Trying To Flush Baby Down Toilet Faces Additional Charges

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man arrested after allegedly attempting to flush an infant down a toilet in Mount Washington is facing additional charges.

Danny Gateley, the brother of accused Dennis Gateley, was the only member of the family to testify about what happen the night of Aug 1 at their home in Mount Washington.

He told the court around midnight he heard a commotion and their mother screaming for help in the bathroom. When he ran upstairs he found his stepdad and brother struggling over Dennis' six-week-old son over the toilet.

That's when he head his brother say: "I'm going to get rid of him, I'm going to flush him."

The family dog bit Dennis and their stepdad but they were able to wrestle the baby away.

"I think it's absolutely foolish, it's evil...it's just wrong" said Stephanie Hawkins, who knows the family.

Danny Gateley also testified that his brother threatened to kill everyone in the house. He also punched the mother of his son in the head and he tossed the baby's formula and other belongings in the street.

When he was taken to the hospital, Dennis Gateley taunted police officers asking, "Which one of you was hiding behind the car? I could have picked either of you off at anytime. I had the advantage because I had the high ground."

"He needs so much help and I just hope he sees all the hurt he's caused to this family," Hawkins said.

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As of Friday, Gateley is facing attempted homicide charges in addition to a aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and firearms violations.