Putnam County mother appears in court, waives preliminary hearing

VIDEO: Putnam County mother charged after 16-day-old baby dies at hospital

PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A mother who was charged after her 16-day-old baby was taken to the hospital and later died after being taken off life support appeared in court Tuesday afternoon and waived her preliminary hearing.

Brooke Kessler’s baby was taken to the hospital from Charles Court on June 20, according to the West Virginia State Police. Hospital staff told troopers the injuries appeared to be suspicious and non-accidental.

Kessler, 33, of Hurricane, was arrested for child abuse, strangulation, and malicious assault on June 21, according to the WVSP. Her charges were upgraded to death of a child by parent or guardian after the baby was taken off life support.

She waived her preliminary hearing Wednesday afternoon. If indicted, her lawyer will file for a bond hearing.

She is due back in court on Nov. 21 at 9 a.m.

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