A mother from West Virginia has been arrested after allegedly attacking her 5-year-old daughter in a disturbing incident that involved pinning the child down and forcibly pulling out two of her front teeth.
The incident occurred last week inside their family home in Lester, a small town located about 60 miles southeast of Charleston.
The Horrifying Attack
Rebecca Lee Bailey, 40, was taken into custody following a call reporting possible child abuse at her residence. According to the Raleigh Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the call and launched a preliminary investigation.
They determined that Bailey had allegedly pinned her daughter down and pulled out two of the child’s bottom front teeth.
Authorities have not clarified whether Bailey used an instrument to remove the teeth or how exactly she was able to do so, and no further details were provided in the sheriff’s office report.
A witness to the attack told authorities that Bailey was heard yelling that her daughter “had a demon in her” while she was holding a cross. The witness also mentioned the violent nature of the assault, which prompted them to intervene.
Thankfully, another family member who was in the house was alerted by the disturbance, rushed to the scene, and stopped the attack before contacting law enforcement.
Arrest and Charges
Bailey was arrested on charges of felony child abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust resulting in bodily injury. After being taken into custody, she was transported to Southern Regional Jail for processing. Authorities did not provide a clear motive for the attack, and Bailey’s actions remain under investigation.
The sheriff’s office thanked the family member who intervened, as well as the deputies who responded swiftly to the situation. The child was immediately given medical attention by Child Protective Services (CPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and was later released into the care of a responsible family member.
Community Response
The authorities have expressed deep concern over the nature of the attack and have commended the intervention of the brave family member who stepped in to protect the young girl.
Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton emphasized the importance of quick law enforcement action and their commitment to the safety of children in the community.
Bailey’s Legal Proceedings
Rebecca Bailey is currently being held on a $50,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Greg Tanner at 10 a.m. on June 30 for a preliminary hearing. The case has left the community shaken, as many are left wondering about the motive behind the assault and how such a brutal act could occur.
This disturbing case highlights the tragic abuse of a young child at the hands of a trusted guardian. The swift response by law enforcement and the intervention of a family member prevented even greater harm.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains focused on supporting the victim and ensuring her safety and well-being as she begins to heal from this traumatic experience.
