Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Arraignments scheduled in Joplin child starvation case

The two women accused of endangering the welfare of a child after the three-year-old was discovered weighing only 12 pounds will be arraigned 8:30 a.m. Friday before Judge Richard Copeland in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Online court records indicate that Beth A. Williams, 26, the child's mother, and Williams' roommate, Christina Haidle, 27, are being held in lieu of $500,000 bond.

The following news release was issued by the Joplin Police Department Tuesday:


On July 1, 2012 Joplin Police were called to 1407 S. Pennsylvania in reference to a 3 year old child who was unresponsive. The child was transported to Freeman Hospital in Joplin from the residence. While at the hospital it was discovered the child was suffering from very low blood sugar and a low body temperature. The child appeared to be emaciated and suffering from malnutrition. The critically ill child weighed just over 12 lbs and was flown to a hospital in Springfield.Detectives continued to investigate the case, interviewing medical professionals and those involved in the life of the child. The investigation revealed severe malnutrition of the child with no known medical reason for the growth failure of the child. The mother of the child, Beth A. Williams, 26 years old and a roommate, Christina M. Haidle, 27 years old of 1407 S. Pennsylvania, Joplin, were arrested on July 21, 2012 for Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree. Charges have filed by the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office.The child is listed in stable condition at this time. The investigation continues.

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