CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A Catawba County woman is charged with attempted murder after her child was seriously injured while being treated at Carolinas Medical Center.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they were called to the Levine Children’s Hospital at CMC on Tuesday after doctors determined an 11-month-old girl that had been hospitalized for two weeks was being abused while there.

The girl’s mother, 21-year-old Meredith Stilwell, was taken into custody. Police said they have evidence that she tried to suffocate the toddler on more than one occasion. Investigators wouldn’t say what the evidence is, but police said each time Stilwell stopped in time for the child to survive.

Investigators have not speculated on a motive.

“We’re not quite sure what was going on, whether it was a cry for attention, whether she did intend to do harm to the child, but obviously what she was doing was intentionally harming the child, which is a very serious offense,” said Capt. Lisa Goelz.

Stilwell’s husband, Scott, said he is standing by his wife. He said she has devoted her life to taking care of their daughter, Alexa, through her many health problems. The girl has been in and out of the hospital her entire life.

---

•RAW INTERVIEW: Father Talks About His Sick Daughter, Wife's Arrest

---

“My wife has made it her main objective and focus to make sure the health of our daughter was No. 1,” he said.

The toddler’s family posted on the Caring Bridge Web site that Alexa has cerebral atrophy, which means her brain is not growing as it should. Scott Stilwell said her heart and lung functions are also affected.

A family update Tuesday says Alexa was being treated for an infection, couldn’t maintain her own body temperature, and was fussy and weak. The site says she was originally admitted to the hospital for vomiting, trouble breathing and seizures after a failed surgery.

Her mother made a frantic call to 911 earlier this month when the toddler stopped breathing.

“Her monitor is still going off. She’s blue. I’m giving her oxygen right now,” she said.

Meredith Stilwell is charged with attempted first-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. She is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond.

Scott Stilwell said, “I just want her to know that I love her, and she has all of her friends and family behind her.”

Her daughter remains hospitalized. A hospital spokesman said her condition is not being released at this time.

Police said they are still investigating.