Child abuse suspect ordered to stay in jail until grand jury

Published 12:00 am Friday, July 10, 2009

A Vicksburg woman arrested for the injury of her 3-week-old daughter was ordered Thursday to stay in the Warren County Jail until her case is presented to a grand jury in August.

Kristen Elizabeth Walter, 24, 7094 Oak Ridge Road, could receive up to 20 years to life if convicted of the felony child abuse with which she is charged, said District Attorney Ricky Smith.

The infant remained in fair condition this morning at University Medical Center, a spokesman said.

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At Walter’s initial appearance, Warren County Court Judge Johnny Price asked her if she had anything to say, and she tearfully replied, “I don’t know what to say.”

“Then I suggest you don’t say anything,” Price said.

The infant has been at UMC since Sunday with a broken arm, a broken leg and a skull fracture. She was transferred from River Region Medical Center, which reported the suspected abuse to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department after Walter took the baby to the emergency room.

Officials have said they believe the child’s injuries occurred during the night Saturday.

Walter reportedly told investigators she was holding the infant Sunday when she tripped and fell on her bedroom threshold, landing on the child.

Physicians, however, said the injuries appeared to be from twisting and were not clean breaks normally consistent with a fall.

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Contact Matthew Breazeale at mbreazeale@vicksburgpost.com