Mother arrested in death of NC toddler, 2nd suspect sought
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Police arrested a North Carolina woman Thursday for the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, reports CBS affiliate WNCN.
Jeanie Kassandra Ditty, 23, and Zachary Earl Keefer, 32, both of Fayetteville, are charged with first-degree murder and negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, in the death of toddler Macey Ditty.
Jeanie Ditty, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, was arrested Thursday evening. Police are still searching for Keefer. The suspects were in a relationship, according to investigators.
On Dec. 2, police were called to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in reference to an unresponsive child. They say Macey Ditty was covered in bruises and medical staff determined the child had suffered life-threatening injuries consistent with child abuse.
She died two days later from her injuries, police said. On March 23, the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the child's death a homicide.
The following day, Fayetteville police obtained warrants charging Jeanie Ditty and Keefer in the death.
Jeanie Ditty is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond, police said.