A 20-year-old woman in West Virginia faces charges after a toddler in her care suffered serious injuries over four days in early July.
Bella Carpenter is in the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility on a $100,000 cash-only bond. She has been charged with child neglect causing serious bodily injury.
The toddler was placed in Carpenter's care from July 2 to July 5 in Webster County. A witness told investigators the child had no injuries before that period and provided photos to support the claim.
The child was taken to a hospital in Cincinnati on July 8 with a disconnected shoulder blade, a black eye, large bruising on the forehead, and a patch of hair pulled out. Medical staff at the Charleston Area Medical Center said the injuries were consistent with physical abuse.
Authorities in Webster County contacted state police on July 6 after receiving a report through child protective services. The child has since been placed with a family member.