A West Virginia father, Timothy L. Ferrebee, 41, has been arrested for allegedly squeezing his three-month-old daughter, leading to severe injuries that put the baby in a medically induced coma.
Authorities have charged him with strangulation and child abuse causing serious bodily harm. His girlfriend, Jerri Ferrebee, 36, has also been charged with child neglect and failure to report the abuse. She is not the child’s biological mother.
How the Incident Unfolded
The infant’s biological mother took her daughter to the hospital on Saturday, after a custody exchange with Jerri Ferrebee. Medical staff noticed bruises on both sides of the baby’s ribcage and suspected child abuse.
West Virginia State Troopers also observed that:
- The left side of the infant’s body had finger-shaped bruises, indicating forceful squeezing or slapping.
- The baby had dried blood under her nostrils.
- Her left eye was swollen and drooping.
Father’s Admission
Initially, Timothy Ferrebee denied harming the baby. However, he later admitted that he squeezed his daughter because he was frustrated with work and had an argument with his girlfriend.
According to the criminal complaint, Ferrebee insisted that he wasn’t angry at the baby but took out his frustration on her because she was the closest thing to him at the time.
Failure to Report the Abuse
Jerri Ferrebee, who worked as a special needs educator in Clay County, was legally required to report child abuse. However, authorities say she did nothing for eight hours while the baby’s condition worsened.
Legal Consequences
- Timothy Ferrebee is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond.
- Jerri Ferrebee is being held on a $55,000 bond.
This tragic case highlights the importance of recognizing and reporting child abuse to protect vulnerable children.
