Missouri couple blame pot for starving 1-year-old: Police
Share this @internewscast.com

CARTHAGE, Mo. A Carthage, Missouri, couple is charged with abusing and starving their 1-year-old son.

Braxton Blevins and Emily Katz are each charged with one count of child abuse and one count of child endangerment.

On March 1, Carthage police were contacted by Children’s Mercy Hospital about a 1-year-old boy who was admitted for severe malnutrition, starvation, recurrent infections and failure to thrive. Hospital officials told police the boy had been hospitalized multiple times since birth for similar conditions.

Doctors said they had worked with Blevins and Katz on a feeding plan at home. The couple told police they were following that plan, but officers say they found 10 to 20 days’ worth of the baby’s food in the refrigerator, unused.

Hospital officials say medical scans showed the baby had missed multiple feedings. He remains hospitalized.

Police say when they interviewed the couple, they admitted to missing feedings and not properly caring for the baby’s central line and GI tube. According to court records, Blevins, the baby’s father, told police he knew they had missed feedings and blamed it on smoking marijuana and falling asleep.

Police say Blevins confirmed that during the 94 days the child was in his custody, he lost about 5 1/2 pounds. Doctors reportedly told officials the child “consistently gained weight when hospitalized and cared for by medical staff.”

Blevins reportedly admitted he couldn’t take care of the baby’s medical needs, but was worried about losing rights to their other child if they sought assistance. Katz stopped talking to police once she was advised of the charges against her, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Both Katz and Blevins are out on bond and ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18. They’re scheduled to be in court at the end of May.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Seventh Grader Honored in Urbana for Impressive 16-Foot Long Jump

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Those traveling through Urbana this week may have…

Trump Secures Series of Wins on Supreme Court’s Rapid Response Docket

President Trump is on a winning streak at the Supreme Court with…

US Team’s Performance at World Swimming Affected by ‘Acute Gastroenteritis’ Case

SINGAPORE (AP) — The U.S. contingent at the swimming world championships in…

How to Safely Drive Near Motorcycles: A Helpful Guide

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — When you’re driving near motorcyclists, a little extra…

Couple Tragically Killed While Hiking with Daughters in Arkansas Park, Authorities Report

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Sheriff’s Office Confirms Human Remains in Ocala National Forest Belong to Missing Lake County Man

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, human…

Is Chicago’s Strategy to Curb Smoking on Trains Too Lenient?

() Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to do something about…

Border Patrol Implements Sound Systems to Deter Migrants

() Under President Trump’s administration, military troops aren’t just watching the border.…

Man Accepts Plea Deal in 2019 KPT Woman’s Murder Case

A Sullivan County man facing charges for the 2019 murder of a…

Tom Lehrer, Renowned Song Satirist and Mathematician, Passes Away at 97

LOS ANGELES – Tom Lehrer, a well-known and intellectual song satirist who…

Israel Implements Daily Ceasefire in Three Gaza Zones to Permit Limited Aid Amid Increasing Hunger

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Sunday, the Israeli military initiated…

Arizona TikTok Influencer Detained Following Prank Videos at Local Stores Going Viral

() Police in Tempe, Arizona, arrested a social media influencer allegedly involved…