BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – A couple from Buckhannon are facing child neglect charges after the death of a two-year-old and serious injuries to a one-year-old.
Upshur County deputies said Ciera Gillespie, 25, left three children (1, 2 and 6-years-old) under the care of her boyfriend, Thomas Cunningham, 27, in their Valley Drive home to go to the store Nov 28. On her way home she received a call from Cunningham alerting her that something was wrong with the two-year-old.
When Gillespie returned Cunningham handed her the two year old who was limp and had blood coming from his nose and mouth.
When EMS personnel arrived Cunningham said there was also a problem with one-year-old and brought the baby to the ambulance.
On Nov. 30, the two-year-old died at Ruby Memorial Hospital os shaken baby syndrome.
Doctors said the injuries to the one-year-old were also consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
During an interview with West Virginia State Police Gillespie told investigators she thought Cunningham was under the influence of a controlled substance when she left the home Nov. 28.
Cunningham has been charged with child abuse resulting in injury and child abuse resulting in the death of a child.
Gillespie has been charged with child neglect resulting in death and child neglect resulting in serious bodily injury.
Cunningham is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail without bail.
Gillespie is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond.