LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — A Lewis County man has been charged with child abuse causing risk of serious bodily injury after causing possibly permanent injuries to a four-month-old child.
The investigation began December 6 when the child was brought to Ruby Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries.
The four-month-old was being treated for a brain bleed, fractured skull, bleeding behind the eyes, broken ribs, and bruises on the head and other parts of the body.
At the hospital, Eric Auen, 20, of Orlando, admitted causing the injuries but said he blacked out and had no idea how the injuries occurred. Auen told deputies he blacked out on three occasions with the child.
Family members also told deputies in November Auen was checked into United Hospital Center because he was having “bad thoughts” about the child. Auen said he thought about placing the infant in his lap and squeezing the child’s head.
The family member also told deputies the injuries to the child began in September after Auen quit his job.
Doctors told police the injuries were intentional in nature and had happened over a period of time. The child suffered blunt force trauma to the head and old and new brain bleeds. The doctor said the victim also had internal injuries and was suffering from organ failure.
The doctor said shaken baby syndrome could not be ruled out and the injuries could cause permanent damage.
Auen is being held on a $500,000 bond.