6-Month-Old Infant Dies; Man Charged With Murder in Bibb County Child Abuse Case

MACON, GA – A Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children investigator has arrested a suspect following the death of a six-month-old infant after an abuse investigation.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Fairmont Avenue at 8:26 p.m. on January 4, 2026, after Macon-Bibb Emergency 911 received a report of a newborn not breathing. Paramedics transported the infant to Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Hospital for treatment.

At the scene, deputies spoke with 24-year-old Willie George Northern Jr. of Kathleen, GA. Northern told investigators he had been watching his girlfriend’s infant son, stating he fed the child, swaddled him, and placed him down to rest before later finding the infant unresponsive and calling 911.

While investigators were at the hospital, medical staff determined the six-month-old male infant had suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition. The child was airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for advanced care. Northern was transported to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Headquarters for questioning.

Following the investigation, Northern was identified as a suspect in connection with the infant’s injuries. He was taken into custody just before 2:00 a.m. on January 5 and booked into the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. He was initially charged with First Degree Cruelty to Children and Tampering with Evidence.

On January 6 at 11:03 p.m., medical staff reported the infant had succumbed to his injuries. Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones confirmed next of kin has been notified.

Investigators have since obtained an additional warrant charging Willie George Northern Jr. with Murder in connection with the child’s death. He remains in custody at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center as the investigation continues.