Mother Charged with Child Abuse after Son's Head Injury

UPDATE: On July 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries sustained on July 10, 2011.  Family notification has been made and the victim has been identified as Marcus Markee Davis Jr.

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Shortly after 1:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, Shannon Merriman was arrested on a warrant for Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Injury (Felony).  Ms. Merriman is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where she is being held without bond.  Ms. Merriman was arrested at Carolinas Medical Center.

 

The victim in this case is the one year old son of Ms. Merriman; his name is being withheld.  The incident occurred at Ms. Merriman’s apartment, located on High Meadow Lane, in the Steele Creek Division, on July 10, 20011, at 2:34 p.m.  Ms. Merriman called 911 to report that her son had slipped and hit his head.  

Steele Creek Division officers responded to the scene and to Carolinas Medical Center, where the baby was taken for treatment of his injury.  Homicide Unit Detectives were notified and took command of the investigation from the outset.  Their investigation led them to secure a warrant for Ms. Merriman’s arrest.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS, and speak with the lead Detective.  Detective Fitch is the lead investigator in this case.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.