The February death of a Howell County infant has resulted in the arrest of the mother. Shelby Starr has been charged with child abuse and neglect resulting in a child’s death.
According to the report from KYTV/KSPR, investigators say Starr kept her infant in a playpen in a nearly 9 feet by 4 feet closet with a 1,500-watt space heater because of an issue with the heating inside the home. She allegedly did not check on the baby for nearly 12 hours. Emergency crews tried unsuccessfully to save the infant. Investigators report the firefighters remarked about how hot the closet was, even with the door open.
Medical personnel claim the child died from hyperthermia and dehydration due to the tight space and heat.
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