Oklee Couple Charged After Infant Suffers 7 Fractures

Oklee (trfnews.i234.me) — An Oklee couple faces charges after their 6-week-old infant suffered seven bone fractures.

Keric William Ronald Carpenter, 25, and Kayla Marie Gill, 23, were charged in Red Lake County District Court.

The complaints were filed Aug. 25.

Both defendants were summoned to appear in court.

Each faces two felony charges and one gross misdemeanor charge.

Seven Fractures Found

The infant suffered fractures involving both arms, both legs, and a rib, according to the complaints.

A purple mark was also found on the child’s left forearm.

Doctors later found fractures in different stages of healing.

Court records say the child’s bone structure and mineralization appeared normal.

No medical or genetic condition was found that would explain the fractures.

The infant was placed in foster care after receiving medical treatment in February.

Hospital Visit Started Investigation

The investigation began after Carpenter and Gill brought the infant to Essentia Health in Fosston on Feb. 25.

They reported that the child was not moving his right arm normally.

A full-body X-ray revealed several fractures, according to the complaint.

The infant was then transferred to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.

A child abuse specialist later reviewed the injuries.

The doctor concluded the infant could not have caused the injuries himself.

The injuries were most consistent with nonaccidental trauma, according to the complaint.

The doctor also believed the injuries happened on more than one occasion.

Parents Questioned Separately

Authorities interviewed Carpenter and Gill separately.

Both said they cared for the infant and denied knowing how the injuries occurred.

They also denied dropping the child.

Both described unusually severe crying on Feb. 24.

They later noticed the infant’s right arm appeared limp and had limited movement.

Another woman reportedly noticed the arm problem and a purple mark.

She advised the parents to seek medical care if the condition did not improve.

The parents waited until the following day to take the infant to the hospital.

Investigators also reviewed Carpenter’s cellphone search history, according to the complaint.

The searches included questions about bone fractures and infant arm injuries.

Three Charges Filed Against Each Parent

Carpenter and Gill each face felony malicious punishment of a child under age four.

Minnesota Statute 609.377 covers malicious punishment of a child.

They also face felony child neglect resulting in substantial harm.

Minnesota Statute 609.378 covers child neglect and endangerment.

Each also faces a gross misdemeanor involving a child’s need for protection or services.

Minnesota Statute 260C.425 covers that offense.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Carpenter and Gill are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More court information is available through Red Lake County District Court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.