Last week, law enforcement apprehended a 31-year-old woman, identified as Kayla Frazier, and a 27-year-old man, identified as Austin Frazier, in connection with the alleged abuse of a young girl who managed to escape to safety.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to a call regarding a potential child abuse situation. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a 9-year-old girl who had recently fled her residence, exhibiting “apparent visible injuries.” Promptly, she was transported to a nearby hospital for necessary medical attention.
Subsequent investigations conducted by detectives revealed a disturbing history of child abuse associated with the case. A search of the home belonging to Kayla and Austin Frazier yielded evidence that allegedly substantiated facts gathered during the ongoing inquiry. Consequently, both individuals were placed under arrest on charges of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12.
According to information obtained by the Daily Independent, Kayla Frazier is identified as the victim’s mother, while Austin Frazier is acknowledged as her stepfather. The young girl reportedly informed the police that both Kayla and Austin Frazier had subjected her to physical abuse, including striking her with a metal pipe, placing her hand on a hot stove, and assaulting her head with another object.
The severity of the situation led to the child fleeing the house, seeking help from a neighbor down the street. A male neighbor recounted to the Daily Independent that the child had visible injuries, such as a cut on her head and a black eye. His wife added that the girl was forthcoming about the abuse, not hiding any details. Upon examination at the hospital, doctors reportedly identified multiple broken bones in various stages of healing, underscoring the extent of the young girl’s trauma.
In a disturbing turn of events, family members of the girl allegedly began aggressively approaching the neighbor’s residence before the arrival of the police. The female neighbor described the chaotic scene, stating, “I was almost hyperventilating at that point. I could hear my heartbeat, the knocking was so loud. If they weren’t knocking or kicking, they were ringing the doorbell.”
Ashland Police have announced the likelihood of additional charges against Kayla and Austin Frazier as the investigation continues to unfold. The incident sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address child abuse and protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.