Nurse sentenced to 13 years in prison for harming infants

MADISON, Wis. – A nurse convicted of injuring nine infants at a Wisconsin hospital has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Christopher Kaphaem pleaded guilty in September to 19 felony counts, including child abuse, for injuries to the babies in the newborn intensive care unit at UnityPoint Health-Meriter hospital in Madison. Injuries ranged from bruises to broken bones and occurred between March 2017 and February 2018.

The State Journal reports the last child injured had multiple broken bones, including a fractured skull.

Kaphaem told parents attending Thursday’s sentencing that he felt embarrassment and shame for what he did.

“None of what I’m feeling, however, can come close to the myriad of emotions and states of mind experienced by the families here today,” he said. “You put your trust in me to care for your most precious loved ones and I failed you. The anguish I have caused is something no parent should ever have to endure.”

Kaphaem earlier told investigators he didn’t remember harming the children.