BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – A second child in an Upshur County shaken baby case has died.
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 EMS responded Nov. 28 Cunningham told emergency workers there was also a problem with the one-year-old child as well.
The two-year-old died Nov. 28 and the one-year-old passed away Dec. 10 at Ruby Memorial Hospital from injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, according to doctors.
Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller said the couple recently moved to Upshur County and his department had no history of contact with them.
“We’ve never dealt with them,” Sheriff Miller said. “They’re originally from Braxton County they just moved to the Buckhannon area recently.”
At press timer, no charges had been added or upgraded following the death of the one-year-old over the weekend.
“We’re talking with the prosecuting attorney now and we’re going to file the appropriate charges,” Sheriff Miller said.
The investigation is focused on the scene at the home and medical records. The investigation is ongoing and active, according to Sheriff Miller.
“I had very little contact with him, but I didn’t see any, no sir,” Sheriff Miller answered.
The six-year-old is now staying with other family members.
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.