Three people in Missouri are spending their Christmas in jail after police say a 4-year-old girl under their care was found unconscious and extremely malnourished.
The suspects, James Calhoun Lamb (29), Derrick Eugene Barnby (25), and Aireal Cole (23), are facing charges of child abuse or neglect. They all lived together in the same home in Kirksville, a small town with a population of under 20,000 in north-central Missouri.
The case came to light on December 11, when the little girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She was later airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis, about 200 miles away, due to the severity of her condition, according to a police affidavit.
Doctors found the child had multiple bruises, bleeding in her brain, and was in an altered state of consciousness. She was also severely underweight, showing signs of neglect, and had several cavities in her teeth. Investigators noted that Lamb had claimed the injuries were from a fall down the stairs a few days earlier. However, medical professionals determined that his story didn’t add up.
According to the doctors’ report, injuries from a fall like that don’t typically lead to such severe head trauma. They also noted that the extensive bruising, especially on the child’s torso, was very concerning and more consistent with abuse than an accident.
Lamb said in his statement that after the girl fell, he called his mother, who is a medical professional. She allegedly advised him to give the child Tylenol and Motrin for the pain. During a later interview with investigators, Lamb admitted he had anger issues but claimed his frustration was directed at himself, not others. He couldn’t provide a clear explanation for the girl’s condition beyond the supposed fall.
Police noted in their report that the little girl had suffered numerous serious, life-threatening injuries while in Lamb’s care. They also pointed out that her malnutrition and severely decayed teeth were clear signs of neglect.
Another child, a 1-year-old, was also removed from the home. Authorities reported that the infant had a severe diaper rash, which was described as consistent with neglect. Barnby and Cole, who were also responsible for both children’s care, are accused of failing to provide for them.
Currently, all three suspects are being held without bond at the Adair County Jail. They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday. This tragic case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the safety and well-being of children.
