Infant found with blanket over head, soiled diaper in Joplin, woman charged

JOPLIN, Mo. — Thanks to a Children’s Division investigator, a four-month-old infant in Joplin was rescued after being left alone for an unknown period of time.

Officers arrived at these apartments just off 32nd and Grand last week after a Children’s Division investigator reported a baby crying inside a residence. The investigator was following up on a case, and after knocking for about 45 minutes, she said she called police.

With the assistance of the apartment manager, officers entered.

That’s where they say they found the infant wedged between an adult mattress and the wall. Officers say a blanket was covering the four-month-old’s face, and it had an extremely soiled diaper.

Joplin police arrested Kaitlyn Estes, 23, three days later. She’s charged in Newton County with child endangerment and child abuse.

The baby was taken to the Children’s Center for an exam.

According to court documents, the infant had bruising on its face and diaper dermatitis with skin breakdown.

Officers say they found a note inside the apartment that read “went to go score be right back.” Estes was arraigned on Tuesday and is being held on a $5,000 bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.