N.J. couple charged with smothering 4-month-old when he would not stop crying

Wipe that ghoulish grin off your face.

The New Jersey father busted for smothering to death his 4-month-old baby with a cheap motel comforter flashed a wide smile for his mug shot despite having the charges upgraded to murder on Tuesday.

William Herring, 42, and the mother of his son, Brianna Brochhausen, 22, became frustrated on Feb. 14 when their boy, Hunter, would not stop bawling, according to the New Jersey State Police.

The couple decided to give the infant a “time out” by putting him on his stomach on the bed and covering his head and body with the motel’s bedspread, cops say.

(William Herring and Brianna Brochhausen via Burlington County Prosecutor's Office)

The two then ducked out of the room at the Springfield Township motor inn off Route 68 — where they lived — to smoke and when they returned the child was not breathing and could not be revived, according to authorities.

The new parents were arrested March 9 and charged with child endangerment, but after a five-month probe by the Burlington County prosecutor’s office, the two were hit with stiffer raps on Tuesday.

It’s unclear if they have a lawyer.

“The thoughtless actions of these individuals ended up costing a defenseless 4-month-old infant his life,” said Col. Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina urged new parents to get help before being overwhelmed with the responsibilities that a newborn brings.

“Those who find themselves at a point of crisis when caring for a newborn child should know that help is available, and they must seek that help rather than taking actions that might harm their child,” he said.