Putnam County woman arrested in connection to the death of a 16-day-old baby

PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — A Putnam County woman was arrested regarding the death of a 16-day-old baby.

33-year-old Brooke Kessler, of Hurricane, was arrested for Child Abuse Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Strangulation, Malicious Assault, and Death of a Child by Parent or Guardian.

Around 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police went to C.A.M.C. Women’s & Children’s Hospital for reports of an unresponsive 16-day-old baby that was brought to the hospital from Charles Court in the Hurricane area of Putnam County.

The trooper discovered that the baby had multiple, serious injuries, and was told by medical staff at C.A.M.C. that the injuries seemed to be suspicious and intentional. After a follow up investigation and an interview, the trooper found that the infant was injured while in Kessler’s care.

The baby was declared dead around 3:41 p.m. by medical staff after being taken off of life support at C.A.M.C Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Kessler, who was arrested at around 4:00 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 for Child Abuse Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Strangulation, and Malicious Assault, was later charged with Death of a Child by Parent or Guardian on June 24, 2024 after the trooper refiled criminal charges with the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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