Hunter Deeann Miller (Putnam County Sheriff”s Office).
Hunter Deeann Miller, aged 23, faces charges of first-degree child abuse, as reported by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation, which spanned across three counties, was prolonged due to Miller’s alleged dishonesty, authorities revealed.
“This case was riddled with deceit as the suspect tried to shield herself,” stated Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach. “She accused innocent people, causing unnecessary distress in a manner that became all too predictable for her. It took time to untangle her web of lies to remove her from the lives she endangered. It’s disheartening that some prioritized protecting her over the child. All I can say is — shame on them.”
In November, Miller brought her child to a hospital emergency room in St. Johns County. Following this, the sheriff’s office in that area notified the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office about a potential broken arm incident at a Palm Coast residence on Thanksgiving.
Miller initially alleged that another person was holding the baby when the child was accidentally dropped. However, authorities determined this claim to be untrue. Video evidence demonstrated that the child was neither dropped nor fell within the home.
Miller claimed that someone else was holding the baby when the person dropped the child. But that proved to be “false,” authorities said. Video showed the child was never dropped and did not fall inside the home.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office took over the case in January, when Miller blamed yet another person for the baby’s injuries. In addition, the child’s father uncovered medical records that showed multiple past fractures.
“Medical records and a forensic analysis showed the baby had sustained 10 potential fractures — more than 1 fracture a month in the child’s short life,” deputies wrote.
Investigators were able to clear the person Miller blamed for the injuries after determining the harm had occurred before that person had even met the child.
Miller was arrested on Tuesday and taken to the Putnam County Jail, where she has since posted a $50,000 bond. It’s unclear when her next court appearance will be.
