A Deseret Morning News search of court records and newspaper archives identified 36 children younger than 6 who died as a result of child-abuse related homicide since 1999.

Twenty-three victims were boys; 13 were girls. Among those who were charged with crimes are 25 men and 13 women. In two cases, both parents were charged. Fourteen fathers and seven mothers were accused of killing their biological or adopted sons or daughters.

But there may be many more child-homicide cases that have gone undocumented.

Prosecutors in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber and Utah counties were unable to say how many potential cases they screen for charges but, for various reasons, do not file any charges. None of them track that information.

"We don't file every case that comes to us a possible homicide," Deputy Salt Lake District Attorney Jim Cope said. "I couldn't tell you if it is 3 percent or 30 percent that we get rid of."

Cope conceded that sometimes prosecutors may take the easy way out. "I think justice is being done in the cases that we bring," he said. "I think there are some people who have quote 'gotten away with murder.' "

Weber County

Victim: Karston Sampson, 17 months

Died: Jan. 29, 1999

How died: Shaken baby syndrome

Evidence: Pre-existing medical condition complicated case

Accused: Justin Jay Scott, mother's boyfriend

Charge: Murder

Outcome: Scott entered an "Alford plea"* to second-degree child abuse homicide; 2nd District Judge Parley Baldwin sentenced Scott to 30 days in jail.

Victim: Isaac Austin, 4 months

Died: Feb. 10, 2001

How died: Beating, shaking

Evidence: Lacerated liver, 16 broken ribs and head injury

Accused: John L. Austin, baby's father

Charge: Capital homicide

Outcome: Austin pleaded guilty to lesser charge of first-degree murder; 4th District Judge Brent West sentenced Austin to five years to life. His first parole hearing is scheduled for 2016.

Victim: Nathan Scheer, 6 months