Md. couple accused of sexually assaulting and abusing autistic 5-year-old child, resulting in death
07/27/2022 11:31 am PDT
FREDERICK, Md. (TCD) -- A couple stands accused of child abuse and rape after a 5-year-old autistic child died in the hospital.
According to a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, July 22, at approximately 2:35 p.m., deputies responded to White Pine Drive to a report of an unresponsive child. The 5-year-old child was reportedly transported to the hospital after lifesaving measures were attempted, but he was later pronounced deceased.
According to WTTG-TV, the 5-year-old child endured internal and external wounds, and investigators discovered "evidence of ongoing abuse." The child also allegedly suffered head swelling, potentially from a skull fracture.
The child’s mother, 30-year-old Catherine Thrasher, reportedly told authorities that she and 33-year-old Timothy Haselden had been dating for five months and that Friday was the second time Haselden took care of the kids alone.
Upon further investigation, Haselden and Thrasher were reportedly arrested and charged.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Haselden was charged with first-degree child abuse resulting in death, first-degree rape, second-degree rape, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, second-degree child abuse: custodian, first-degree child abuse: severe physical injury, neglect of a minor, and sex abuse of a minor. He was reportedly booked into the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center without bond.
On Monday, July 25, the Sheriff’s Office said Thrasher was arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse: death less than 13, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, first-degree child abuse: severe physical injury, sex abuse of a minor, second-degree child abuse: custodian, and neglect of a minor. She was also reportedly booked into Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center without bond.
There were allegedly two other children in the home at the time of the abuse: a 2-year-old male and a 3-year-old female. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the 2-year-old was transported to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and later released. Both children were taken into custody by the Washington County Department of Social Services.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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