Baby shaken to death by father remembered in Westmoreland County

VANDERGRIFT, Pa. — A baby killed at the hands of her father was remembered Friday night during a candlelight vigil in Westmoreland County.

Family and friends looking for justice in the death of baby Sophia gathered at Kennedy Park in Vandergrift to pray for the young life lost.

At just 8 weeks old, police said Sophia suffered a brain injury after she was shaken by her father, Matthew Milisits.

Milisits is now facing homicide charges as Sophia’s family copes with the tragedy.

Sophia’s mother, Samantha Ludwiczak, told WPXI reporter Julie Fine that she misses her daughter every day, and is thankful for her other children, who help her stay strong.

During Friday night’s gathering, blue and purple balloons were released to represent child abuse and shaken baby syndrome.

WPXI