A Missouri babysitter accused of severely injuring a 5-month-old child claimed her dog was responsible for the baby’s seven broken bones, but a doctor determined the injuries were likely caused by “excessive force” from a human, authorities said. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported that the babysitter now faces charges of first-degree child abuse.
Deputies were called on March 17 following a report of child abuse. Medical officials revealed the infant was being treated for multiple fractures, including two breaks in the left arm, three ribs on the left side, and two in the legs, according to a probable cause statement. The babysitter initially told authorities the injuries occurred when her dog jumped on the baby while the child was lying on the living room floor.
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According to a report from WFLA, She claimed the baby “made a grunting noise once” during the incident. However, the babysitter’s daughter later noticed the baby’s arm was “not working,” prompting further concern. The babysitter reportedly told a child welfare worker, “It’s my fault.”
A doctor who examined the infant disputed the babysitter’s account, stating that the arm fracture resembled “breaking a pencil in half.” The doctor added that such injuries “don’t typically occur without excessive force.” Authorities noted that the “yanking pulling breaks” in the baby’s arms and legs were “usually consistent with shaking a baby,” according to the probable cause statement, KOAM reported.
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The babysitter, who was the sole caregiver during the weekend the injuries occurred, was charged with first-degree child abuse. Attorney information for the suspect was not immediately available. McClatchy News is withholding the suspect’s name to protect the identity of the child.
Vernon County, where the incident took place, is located approximately 105 miles south of Kansas City. The case has drawn significant attention as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s injuries.
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