6-Month-Old's Broken Arm, Fractures Lead To Charges Against New Brighton Mother
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NEW BRIGHTON (KDKA) -- A case of suspected child abuse just filed in Beaver County involves a 6-month-old baby.
Police say a broken arm led to the discovery of more alleged abuse.
New Brighton Police said the baby was treated at Children's Hospital on Aug. 19 for a broken left arm. Police said doctors discovered the baby boy had other fractures that were healing.
Police have charged 21-year-old Shakala Gotell, of New Brighton, with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
KDKA went to her apartment on Fifth Avenue to try to speak with her, but nobody answered.
New Brighton Police tell KDKA Gotell refused to be interviewed.
Police got involved when they received a childline report of suspected abuse.
According to police, Gotell told the doctor who treated her baby boy for the broken arm that he was playing with her 2-year-old daughter when he got hurt. According to police, the doctors believes the spiral fracture the baby suffered could not have been caused by a toddler.
Police said the doctor also discovered other fractures that were healing on the baby's upper and lower legs and his right arm. This created even more concern that the infant may have been abused.
Police told KDKA that CYS is involved and trying to remove the baby from the home. It is unclear if the baby is still living with Gotell. Police said she is the sole caregiver.
Gotell is not in jail. She is being notified of the charges by summons.
