Father Acquitted In Mercy Killing Of Baby

The father who unhooked his premature baby from a respirator was acquitted Thursday of manslaughter.

Dr. Gregory Messenger acknowledges that he took the 1-pound, 11-ounce boy off the respirator a little more than an hour after he was delivered by Caesarean section on Feb. 8. Messenger and his wife, Traci, feared the child had suffered brain damage.

The 40-year-old dermatologist could have received up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutor Mike Ferency argued that Messenger made a decision about his son before getting enough medical information.