Associated Press
BECKLEY —
The stepfather of a 2-year-old boy has been charged with the child’s death in Raleigh County.
The Register-Herald reports that 23-year-old James Green was charged after the toddler died early Saturday. The child’s mother, 27-year-old Brandy Smallwood, has been charged with child neglect causing death for leaving the child in the hands of a known drug addict.
State Police Sgt. D. W. Bennett said troopers responded Friday night and found the child in a trailer home in Fairdale. He died in Women and Children’s Hospital in Charleston.
Bennett said investigators concluded the child had injuries consistent with physical abuse.
A twin brother also showed signs of physical abuse. He is in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Green and Smallwood are being held in jail.
