SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina deputies have arrested and charged two people accused of abusing a 16-week-old infant, according to our news affiliate WPDE.
Officials said 23-year-old Beth Backus has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury and felony child abuse by negligence resulting in serious bodily injury.
Zachary Crabtree, 24, was also charged with felony child abuse by negligence resulting in serious bodily injury.
(Zachary Crabtree, left, Beth Backus, right)
The Scotland County Sheriff's Office said the investigation began on May 26 after a report was filed stating an "unconscious/unresponsive infant child" had been brought to the Scotland Memorial Hospital.
Medical staff reported the infant showed symptoms consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, including severe injuries to the child's head and internal injuries.
According to a report obtained from WPDE, the infant was "confirmed to allegedly have ongoing serious bodily injuries, which were reported as being multiple internal injuries to the brain, in conjunction with other injuries to the infant's body both internal and external."
[ALSO READ: North Carolina bill targeting child abuse has bipartisan support]
Officials said the baby was airlifted to an area child's hopsital to receive special care.
Backus is being held under a securd $500,000 bond and Crabtree received a secured $250,000.
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