Millbrook woman charged with child abuse after baby was hospitalized

ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – A Millbrook woman is charged with aggravated child abuse after her child was hospitalized.

Shelia McMullin, 27, was charged after admitting she shook her 6-week-old baby out of frustration on Oct. 17 while she was cleaning her house and the baby was “fussy,” according to court documents.

McMullin admitted to shaking the baby until he passed out, then putting him in the swing. Court documents further state that the baby woke up about ten minutes later and began having a seizure.

The child was first taken to Prattville Baptist Hospital before being transferred to a hospital in Birmingham, where doctors diagnosed a brain hemorrhage consistent with the shaking.

Authorities were contacted out of concern for the child’s safety.

Court documents state that a medical professional involved in the investigation testified that while the baby is expected to survive, based on the injuries, they do not expect the child to walk away with no residual effects.

The medical professional stated that 20-25% of babies with these types of injuries die and 80% of survivors have long-term disabilities.

Prosecutors sought to hold McMullin without bond pending a hearing on Aniah’s Law. However, she posted bail late Tuesday night and was released.

Not reading this story in the WSFA News app? Receive news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2024WSFA. All rights reserved.