Ohio dad arrested after 1-year-old daughter suffers burns that made legs 'look like paper towels'
03/15/2024 3:56 pm PDT
WILLIAMSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio (TCD) -- A 25-year-old father has been indicted after his infant daughter reportedly sustained burn injuries last month.
On Feb. 14, at around 1:30 p.m., Marissa Combs called authorities to report her 1-year-old daughter's injuries, according to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office. Williamsburg Township EMS responded to the home on Gay Street and transported the baby to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where it was determined she suffered second-degree burns.
Several hours later, Clermont County Children's Protective Services contacted the sheriff's office because the medical team determined the baby's injuries were "concerning."
Sheriff's office detectives interviewed Combs and the victim's father, Cody West. Upon further investigation, officials learned the victim and her 2-year-old sibling were "left alone inside the residence while West was outside in the driveway."
West reportedly told detectives when he went back inside the home, he noticed the bathroom sink running, and it had steamed up the room. He allegedly found his 1-year-old daughter "crying on the floor with wet clothes."
According to the sheriff's office, West said he took off his daughter's clothes, and he "described her skin to look like 'paper towels' on her legs."
West reportedly called Combs shortly after 1 p.m. while she was at work, insisting she return home. Combs arrived and subsequently called 911.
Investigators searched the home and determined the water temperature quickly reached above 150 degrees.
West reportedly confessed that he did not immediately call 911 to seek medical care for his daughter.
Deputies arrested West at his home on one count of endangering children, and he remains held in the Clermont County Jail without bond. West was scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on March 15.
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