CHARLESTON, WV – In Charleston, West Virginia, a 32-year-old mother has been taken into custody, facing charges after the tragic death of her 16-day-old infant. Brooke Nicole Kessler reportedly confessed to authorities that frustration led her to handle the newborn too roughly—an action she now links to the infant’s fatal injuries.
Authorities charged Kessler on Thursday with child abuse resulting in death, escalating the charge from the initial accusation of causing serious bodily injury. This development followed the infant’s death at the hospital after sustaining injuries deemed suspicious by medical staff.
The incident unfolded when state troopers were dispatched to the Charleston Area Medical Center’s Women & Children’s Hospital on June 20 in response to a report of a newborn with concerning injuries. Medical personnel alerted officers to multiple severe traumas, including broken ribs, a fractured arm, and various bruises, suggesting the injuries were not accidental.
During the investigation, a mock-up of the police report details Kessler’s acknowledgment of her actions. She explained to a trooper that she had applied excessive force while burping her daughter, potentially causing the broken ribs and other injuries. Kessler professed it wasn’t her intention to hurt the newborn.
Furthering the investigation, Kessler posited that the broken arm might have been caused by the infant’s father, who vehemently denied the accusation. He pointed to his wife’s struggles with postpartum depression as a contributing factor to her impatient handling of the baby, including instances where he had to intervene to prevent potential harm.
The infant’s father also recounted steps taken to ensure the baby’s safety, including enlisting his mother’s help to care for the newborn during a period when his wife’s mental health posed concerns. Despite their efforts, the baby’s condition deteriorated, leading to the decision to remove life support.
Kessler, now incarcerated at the Western Regional Jail, awaits a court hearing set for July 3 as the community grapples with the heartbreaking circumstances of the loss.
