Update from Feb 2010
Robbie Lynn Jenkins, 20, and and 23-year-old Tremayne Jerel Spillman pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony child abuse charge and a misdemeanor involving their 4-month-old son.
Jenkins was sentenced to between eight to 11 months in jail, and Spillman was sentenced to between 10 to 13 months. The couple received five months credit for time served. The judge also ordered them to complete parenting classes while in prison.
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7259573
Prosecutors say the dog chewed the toes off of Tremayne Jerel Spillman Jr. after the couple took sleeping medication the night of Aug. 31 while dog sitting. The child was sleeping on a foldout couch when he was attacked.
The parents' actions amounted to a "total disregard for human life," Assistant District Attorney Matt Silva said.
The child will never be able to run, suffers from night terrors and phantom pains, has extensive scars on both legs and has to take pain medication every day, the child's guardian told the court.
He remains under treatment at the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S.C., and is in the care of Jenkins' family members.
A 6-week old baby is recovering after the family pet bit off his finger.
Now his mother is facing a child neglect investigation.
"I did not neglect my child. I was there with him. He was asleep. I was asleep. He did not cry. And I will repeatedly say that. He did not cry, or would have heard him," says mother Jena Stewart.
"He is going to be able to do everything else my 3-year-old does. He's going to be able to play sports, and he's not going to notice it.
"I have to live with this for the rest of my life. I have to be the one to look at my son and tell him what happened and his mommy couldn't protect him because I was asleep. That's what I want everyone to realize. That you can pass all these harsh judgments on me and you guys are entitled to your opinions yes, but I am not a bad mom," says Stewart
How do you not hear you 4 month old crying? By 4 months they sound like sirens when they need or want something and usually don't stop until picked up and comforted and even then some babies still keep crying.