ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. (WAVY) — A Smithfield couple was arrested Thursday following a month-long investigation into the child abuse and neglect of a 19-month-old baby, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.
The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office was notified by medical staff at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk that a 19-month-old child was admitted with multiple injuries. Medical professionals advised that the nature and extent of the injuries were consistent with prolonged physical abuse and neglect, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators with the Isle of Wight Count Sheriff’s Office launched a joint investigation with the Isle of Wight County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Department of Social Services and CHKD medical personnel, the sheriff’s office said.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the child was in the care of the child’s mother and her live-in boyfriend when the injuries happened, the sheriff’s office said.
Ifrika Aniya Richardson, 23, and Jias LaTwan Wilson-Booker, 24, were taken into custody on Thursday and face multiple charges related to child abuse and neglect, including domestic assault and battery, aggravated malicious wounding, child abuse and neglect.
Both are being held at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.
After a lengthy hospital stay, the child has since been released from CHKD and has been placed into the custody of the Isle of Wight County Department of Social Services, the sheriff’s office said.
“This is a heartbreaking case that no child should ever have to endure,” said Sheriff James R. Clarke Jr. “We are committed to pursuing justice on behalf of this young victim and are grateful to CHKD, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Social Services, and our investigative team for their swift and coordinated response.”
