Authorities have accused three individuals from Missouri, James Lamb, Aireal Cole, and Derrick Barnby, with child negligence after finding a young infant in their custody in a state of significant physical suffering.
James Lamb of Kirksville, Missouri, is charged with five charges of felony child abuse against his four-year-old daughter, while Aireal Cole and Derrick Barnby each face two counts.
On December 12, police found the girl in an unconscious state at a residence in Kirksville. According to affidavits sworn by Det. Aaron Followwill, she sustained several bruises and further bodily injuries.
Upon being transported to a paediatric hospital in Saint Louis, physicians identified that the youngster was experiencing significant brain damage, including haemorrhaging, a “altered mental state,” malnutrition, and “extensive” dental cavities.
During the interview with Det. Followwill, James Lamb stated that he had been informed the girl had fallen down the stairs six days earlier, but he believed the injuries were not serious. During a phone call with a cousin of Derrick Barnby, whom James Lamb identified as a “medical professional,” James Lamb reported being advised to watch the child and administer Tylenol and Motrin, as stated in the affidavits.
But doctors allegedly found several signs that James Lamb may not have been honest with police, according to the affidavits, which claimed the extensive nature of the child’s injuries were inconsistent with a single fall down the stairs.
In the affidavits, police also said the fall down the stairs wouldn’t explain what authorities described as the girl’s “severe malnutrition” which caused her to be “significantly underweight,” as well her cavities. Further, another child removed from the home, James Lamb’s 1-year-old daughter, was allegedly found to be suffering from severe diaper rash.
James Lamb, Aireal Cole, and Derrick Barnby, the three caretakers of the children, were placed under arrest on Dec. 19. When Followwill interviewed James Lamb again, James Lamb allegedly admitted he had anger issues but denied taking that anger out on others, according to the affidavits.
James Lamb denied abusing his daughter, and said he believed Aireal Cole and Derrick Barnby had not either, but Followwill reported Lamb couldn’t provide an alternate explanation for the injuries aside from a fall down the stairs, the affidavits state.
James Lamb and Cole are being held in the Adair County Jail pending a bond hearing, according to court records. Derrick Barnby was released on his own recognizance on Dec. 23.
The Missouri State Public Defender’s office, which is representing James Lamb, did not immediately return a request for comment. Attorney information was not immediately available for Aireal Cole or Derrick Barnby.
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