Cape Cod Father Arraigned on First-Degree Murder Charge in Connection to Six-Week-Old Son’s Death

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Randy Patterson-Gerber, 25, previously of Centerville, was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge on Monday, accused in connection to the tragic death of his six-week-old son, Cobain Martin Patterson, in 2021. The case unfolded in Barnstable Superior Court, where Patterson-Gerber pleaded not guilty during his appearance.

Patterson-Gerber’s indictment by a Barnstable County grand jury was announced in a statement issued by Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois. Dedham police arrested him in connection to the case.

The tragic incident occurred on September 7, 2021, when Barnstable police responded to a 911 call at a Centerville residence regarding an unresponsive six-week-old infant. Upon arrival, officers discovered the baby to be unresponsive, discolored, and cool to the touch. CPR was administered during the transport to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. However, the infant was later flown to a Boston-area hospital where he ultimately succumbed.

At the time, Patterson-Gerber and Cobain’s mother resided in a spare room at the Centerville house, owned by another woman. Investigations revealed that Patterson-Gerber had been “extremely intoxicated” on the preceding night and had to be put to bed.

Witnesses at the house attested that the baby had been happy, healthy, and showed no signs of injuries. However, the next morning, Cobain, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, woke up fussy and refused to take a bottle. At approximately 9:10 a.m., Cobain’s mother handed him to Patterson-Gerber and left to speak to the homeowner and call the pediatrician.

Around 40 minutes later, she returned to find Patterson-Gerber sleeping face-down on the bed next to the baby, who was face up and not breathing. Panic ensued, and she began calling 911. At one point, Patterson-Gerber entered the living room holding the baby with one hand, raising concerns among those present.

Patterson-Gerber initially claimed to have tried to soothe the baby and suggested that the infant had suddenly stopped crying when left alone. However, hospital staff identified injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including fractured tibialis, broken ribs, and head bruises. Furthermore, the medical examiner’s report indicated severe hemorrhaging in the baby’s skull and brain.

Additional allegations arose regarding Patterson-Gerber’s involvement with another infant, distinct from Cobain Martin Patterson. According to Cape and Islands Second District Attorney Tara Cappola, a warrant out of Dedham District Court cited Patterson-Gerber as being allegedly responsible for abusing a different infant. In that instance, the mother reported waking up to the sound of her baby’s muffled crying and observed Patterson-Gerber “clutching the baby’s mouth closed.” A subsequent full-body scan revealed severe injuries consistent with twisting and fractures.

During the arraignment, Judge Mark Gildea ordered Patterson-Gerber to be held without prejudice. While prosecutors presented a list of Cobain’s injuries, defense attorney Paul Lonardo-Roy argued that the evidence did not conclusively prove Patterson-Gerber’s responsibility and requested an opportunity to examine the case further.

The case is scheduled for its next court appearance on January 3. Cobain Martin Patterson’s great-grandfather, Hal Mosher, expressed relief at the ongoing legal proceedings, stating that he felt justice was being served and that it meant a lot to the family.