FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The parents of a 9-week-old in Fairmont have been arrested after a welfare check determined the child was starving despite there being ample food in the home.
On June 13, Fairmont police conducted a welfare check at the home of Wendie Elicky, 21, and Michael Newlin, 27, and brought CPS workers back to the home after observing the condition of the child.
When officers and CPS workers returned, they noted the infant weighed less than at birth, had a rib flare, and had mucous over the eyes. Additionally, it was noted that there was ample food in the home, but the child was underweight.
After taking the child to the emergency room, the workers there said the condition was a result of being malnourished. Medical workers said the child had little or no muscle tone, very loose skin, and sunk eyes—all conditions associated with malnourishment.
The child was transported to WVU Children’s Medicine, where significant improvements were made under the care of doctors.
Police said both parents have an extensive history in Virginia, according to reports.
Elicky and Newlin have been charged with child neglect, creating the risk of injury, and are being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a $175,012 bond.