'Real good dude' sentenced for severely beating infant

SAN ANTONIO — A 22-year-old father was sentenced Thursday to

20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge

he caused serious injuries

to his 1-month-old daughter, including brain hemorrhaging.

Rayvon Campos, who has no prior criminal history, entered a plea deal in June that capped his possible punishment at 22 years in prison. Without a plea in place, the first-degree felony can carry a punishment of up to life in prison.

Campos was home alone watching his newborn in November 2012 when he told police he left the child lying on the couch and went to the restroom, records state. He heard her fall off the couch and ran to pick her up, he said.

Doctors told police that Campos' story didn't match the child's injuries, as children that young typically lack the strength to roll over on their own. And if she had rolled off the couch, it's unlikely a fall from 18 inches onto a carpeted surface would cause brain hemorrhaging, they concluded.

Additional injuries included bruises and swelling to her face, and “significant bruising to her left abdominal area the size of an adult fist.”

Campos, according to documents, cited his good care of his three other young children in asking state District Judge Maria Teresa Herr for leniency.

“This is the first time I have ever been in trouble. What happened that day was inconclusive,” he said. “I'm a real good dude.”

mcasady@express-news.net