Father vented his frustration on his 3-month-old daughter as she was in front of him after being verbally assaulted by his girlfriend and squeezed the girl, causing injuries to her lungs; charged
West Virginia – In a distressing incident from West Virginia, a 41-year-old father, identified as Timothy F., and his 36-year-old girlfriend, identified as Jerri F., face serious charges following the severe injury of a 3-month-old daughter. Timothy is charged with child abuse by a parent and strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation, while Jerri faces charges of child neglect resulting in injury and failure to report the abuse.
On a grim Saturday, West Virginia State Police were alerted by hospital staff about an infant suffering from alarming injuries. The severity of the situation necessitated an urgent transfer to another hospital, which specializes in pediatric care. Medical examinations revealed that the infant had sustained severe internal injuries, including damage to both lungs and a laceration on her esophagus, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. The baby was also placed in a medically induced coma to aid her recovery. The authorities were quick to respond, arresting Timothy at his home shortly after the baby’s mother, who is not Jerri, brought her daughter to the hospital following a custody exchange.
According to reports from local news outlets, Timothy initially denied any knowledge of how his daughter came to be injured, suggesting that the marks might have been caused while under the care of his girlfriend, Jerri. However, under further interrogation, Timothy’s story began to unravel. He eventually admitted to “squeezing” the infant out of frustration after being subjected to a “verbal assault” from Jerri following a long day’s work. Shockingly, he described the act as an attempt to vent his frustrations, with the infant becoming the target of his outburst “as she was in front of him.” Jerri, who was out briefly during the incident, returned home to find visible marks on the baby but failed to take any action. Her role as a special needs educator aide, which mandated her to report any signs of child abuse, further compounded her culpability, leading to charges reflecting severe neglect.
Both Timothy and Jerri were taken into custody, with Timothy’s bond set at $100,000 and Jerri’s at $55,000 cash-only. The community, particularly neighbors and those familiar with the family, expressed profound shock and dismay at the harrowing revelations. The school district where Jerri was employed and child protection services are closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that all protocols are followed in the investigation and care of the victim.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and immediate action when signs of child abuse are evident. The legal proceedings for both accused are underway, with the court system and local authorities committed to delivering justice for the young victim. This tragic event underscores the essential need for community awareness and the safeguarding of the most vulnerable members of society. As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to draw significant attention from both the public and media, given the horrific nature of the crimes and the young age of the victim.
