Smithfield infant dies after alleged abuse

Published 10:48 pm Tuesday, February 14, 2012

An infant who had been on life support since being taken to the hospital Sunday with extensive injuries died Tuesday, according to Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office authorities.

Both parents of the 4-month-old girl have been arrested and charged with felony child neglect. But the investigation is not over, said Capt. Rick Gaddis.

Parents Mary Leann Webb and Robert Molinski were being questioned Tuesday evening after being arrested at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, where the girl’s twin sister is in stable condition.

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According to a news release from the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, emergency communications received a 911 call on Sunday at 6:40 p.m. reporting an unresponsive 4-month-old infant at 10476 Stallings Creek Drive in Smithfield.

The Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad EMS chief responded from his home and started CPR efforts, according to the news release. Sheriff’s deputies arrived soon thereafter and assisted. When the medic crew arrived, the decision was made to transport the infant to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters by Nightingale helicopter.

The girl, Piper Molinski, had suffered skull fractures, broken ribs and bruising, according to the news release, and also had burns on the soles of her feet.

Her twin sister, Ella, also had skull fractures, broken ribs and bruising.

The twins have a 4-year-old sister who does not appear to have suffered any injuries, according to the news releases. She is staying with family members.

The infants were living with both parents in the home of their maternal grandfather. The family had moved from Smithfield to Newport News about a month ago.

The entire investigative branch of the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Mark Marshall, is working on the case, according to a news release.

Gaddis said murder charges are being considered, but that determination ultimately would be made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

“We have a long way to go with this case,” he said. “As we move along, we’ll add more charges where applicable.”

The two are being held on no bond at Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk. An arraignment was set for Wednesday.