Butte Co. Parents Suspected Of Child Abuse After Baby Is Hospitalized With Severe Burns
MAGALIA, Calif. (AP) — The parents of a 1-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of child abuse after the baby was hospitalized in unincorporated Butte County, with severe burns, sheriff's officials said Wednesday.
The hospital in Magalia contacted authorities regarding a possible child abuse victim after the burned boy was brought into the emergency room on October 9, according to a statement from the Butte County Sheriff's Office.
The young victim is in stable condition and is expected to recover from his injuries, the statement said.
Detectives believe the boy was burned as a result of a spill after his parents left him at their home in the care of a juvenile babysitter on the night of October 8, officials said.
Investigators have evidence that despite being aware of the life-threatening injuries the victim sustained, the parents waited approximately 14 hours to take him to the hospital, according to the statement.
Jennelle Laye, 39, and Jeremy Laye, 47, could each face a felony count of child abuse when they're arraigned on Thursday. It wasn't known Wednesday if they have an attorney who could speak on their behalf.
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