Fargo Couple Charged in 3-Month-Old’s Injuries

Fargo, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two Fargo residents face felony charges tied to injuries to a 3-month-old baby, according to police records.

Authorities named Wyatt L. Lesmann and Vanessa Metzger Prebil. The child is listed as Jane Doe.

The hospital visit raised concerns

Police say the baby was brought to Sanford Medical Center Fargo on May 5, 2025. The parents reported fussiness over the last month. They also reported she drank less formula. They said she was more sleepy.

Doctors reported fractures and dehydration

Medical staff found multiple broken ribs, police say. Staff also found a broken right clavicle. The report says the injuries appeared to be from different times.

The report also notes severe dehydration. It describes possible nutritional neglect. It also describes missed diaper changes. It describes a lack of basic care. It says the baby’s cries were not met.

A new report led to protective custody

Police say another report came in on July 3, 2025. The report described injuries under the baby’s eye. It also described ongoing poor care.

Authorities then placed the baby into protective custody, police say. The child remains in custody.

The interview described an alleged admission

Police interviewed Lesmann on July 7, 2025, according to the report. Police say he admitted to causing injuries on two occasions. The report places the events between April 1 and May 6, 2025.

Police say he told investigators he squeezed the baby too hard. He said he heard bones crack. He also described the clavicle injury. He said he felt the bone pushing upward near her shoulder.

Police say the injuries were not fully reported at later medical visits. Investigators also allege false information was provided to law enforcement.

Charges and public resources

The case is expected to proceed in the North Dakota district court. Case updates may appear on the North Dakota Courts public access site.

Police information is often shared by agencies like the Fargo Police Department.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect in North Dakota, you can find reporting options through the state program at hhs.nd.gov.

Lesmann and Prebil are presumed innocent in court. The charges are allegations unless proven.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.