West Virginia Woman Convicted Of Abuse In 13-Month-Old Girl's Death
KINGWOOD, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia woman has been convicted in the death of a toddler under her care.
Kelly Marie Tusing, 24, of Tunnelton, was convicted Friday in Preston County Circuit Court on a charge of death caused by a parent, guardian or custodian by abuse, The Dominion Post reported.
The 13-month-old girl was removed from life support by her family after eight days in the hospital, according to court records.
Tusing faces at least 15 years in prison when she is sentenced in January.
Prosecutors said Tusing shook or hit the baby and that doctors indicated she had a "catastrophic brain injury." The defense said the child had a prior injury to her brain and that Tusing told police the girl fell from a bed.
Witnesses testified the child's parents had been arguing and took her to Tusing's home out of concern for the girl's safety.
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