A Tennessee mother accused of seriously injuring her 8-month-old child has been charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, according to the Johnson City Police Department.
Johnson City officers responded to Niswonger Children’s Hospital Emergency Room on Monday in reference to possible child abuse that occurred at an apartment in the 500 block of Joy Court. Police said an investigation found that Christina Niles abused her 8-month-old child, causing serious injury to the child. Police said Cheryl Hawkes, the victim’s grandmother, knowingly failed to protect the child from the abuse.
The infant underwent CPR, suffered from a fractured skull, and is on a ventilator according to an affidavit.
According to the affidavit, the 8-month-old boy’s mother, Niles, admitted to throwing a toy truck and striking the infant in the head. This is when Niles believes the infant suffered the fractured skull.
Niles also admitted to previously holding the infant’s foot over the flame of a candle for about two minutes “because she was frustrated.” The child had also suffered a broken arm.
As of Monday, the child was listed in critical condition.
Both Niles and Hawkes were arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect.
They are being held in the Carter County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. Both are due in court Wednesday.
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