Cox Charged with Felony Child Abuse

Both the Hastings Tribune and KHAS - TV News 5 report that Wilbur Jacob Cox, 27, and Jessica (Wahl) Cox, 26, both of 410 W. Otoe Street in Blue Hill, Nebraska, have been charged with Felony Child Abuse (that resulted in serious bodily injury) in Webster County Court. The Cox's 9 week old daughter, Alara B. Cox, was rushed to Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and then Life Flighted to Omaha's Children's Hospital in late January after suffering broken ribs, bruises, blood from the mouth, fractured skull and other injuries. Reports indicate that the 9 week old child had some fractured bones that had already started to heal. Webster County Attorney Jerry McDole said he has heard that the baby is recovering and was scheduled to be released Tuesday, but he hasn’t received a more recent update. The baby, born November 26, 2009, was brought to the hospital by her parents because she was coughing up blood, according to the complaint filed. Initial diagnosis was a swollen throat with capillary bleeding. X-rays taken of the infant at the emergency room revealed seven broken ribs that were in the process of healing, estimated at two or three weeks old. Three nickel-size bruises were found on the infant’s back. With the possibility of child abuse, hospital officials contacted law enforcement. The Hastings Police Department provided assistance to the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, which is handling the case. After being examined at the children’s hospital in Omaha, a pediatrician determined the back of the infant’s throat had been cut, not scraped. A bulb syringe reportedly used by the parents to remove phlegm had been put back into her mouth far enough to almost cut the carotid artery. The examination also revealed a small skull fracture that had been healing for about six weeks and fractures in bones in the lower legs. Wilbur and Jessica were arrested, but both have been released on personal recognizance bonds. They will have a preliminary hearing on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. in Webster County Court. The infant has been placed in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Human Services. The couple has no other children in the home. Child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.