Mother used excessive force out of frustration while trying to burp her newborn baby, pressing her hard and inflicting injuries that led to the baby’s death; arrested
West Virginia – A West Virginia mother faces serious charges following the death of her 16-day-old daughter. 32-year-old B. Kessler was arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in death after initially facing charges of causing serious bodily injury. This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of parental actions under stress, including the potential impact of postpartum depression.
The case unfolded when authorities were alerted to suspicious injuries to a newborn. Hospital staff informed the responding state police that the baby girl had sustained multiple severe injuries that appeared non-accidental. The list of injuries was grave and extensive: six broken ribs, a broken arm, and marks across her throat, eye, and the back of her head.
According to reports and court documents, during a follow-up interview with state troopers, Kessler confessed to the accidental infliction of these injuries during a moment of frustration. She described an incident where she was burping her daughter, placing one hand on the back of the baby’s head and around her neck, squeezing too hard due to frustration with both the infant and herself. Kessler asserted that the injuries were not intentional but acknowledged the force she used might have been excessive.
In her statement, Kessler also speculated that the broken ribs might have occurred when she picked up the baby by the chest to burp her. Regarding the baby’s broken arm, Kessler suggested that her husband might have been responsible, though he firmly denied causing any harm to their daughter.
The situation was further complicated by revelations from Kessler’s husband regarding her mental health. He reported that Kessler had been suffering from postpartum depression, which made her easily frustrated and neglectful towards the newborn’s basic needs, such as diaper changes and regular care. He recounted having to intervene to prevent his wife from shaking the baby on multiple occasions, eventually asking his mother to temporarily care for the child due to his wife’s unstable condition.
The community and authorities reacted with sorrow and determination for justice. The infant was cared for in the hospital until she was taken off life support and pronounced dead, turning this case into a fatal incident of child abuse. As the legal proceedings unfold, Kessler remains in custody at jail, awaiting her preliminary hearing set for July 3.
