Cops: Mom accused of child abuse also faked ovarian cancer
BRISTOL, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania mother charged with child abuse is also being accused of lying to investigators about having ovarian cancer, even going as far as to shave her head and eyebrows to keep up the ruse, reports CBS Philly.
Investigators say that Ashley Reichard, 26, beat her 11-month-old daughter. A criminal complaint reportedly lists the injuries, including a broken thigh bone, two skull fractures, a broken jaw, and multiple burns, among others.
Investigators reportedly said Reichard tried to pin the crimes on others, and lied to investigators several times throughout the process. She was arrested earlier this week.
"I didn't think she'd be capable of hurting her kid," said Jessica Cubberly, who knows Reichard well.
Officials said she faked having cancer to gain sympathy and avoid prosecution. She also reportedly claimed cancer treatments caused her to miss several appointments with her parole officer.
Jessica Cubberly considered Reichard a friend, and thought the cancer was real, until CBS Philly told her what the police suspect.
"Unbelievable," said Cubberly. "I really thought she was telling the truth."
Reichard's two children are currently the subject of custody hearings, to determine where they will end up in the future.