Chad Eugene Gibbs Jr. and Sarah Marie Lembke, both of Charter Oak, are accused of failing to seek timely medical care for their infant, resulting in the infant’s death.
CRAWFORD COUNTY
A case of alleged neglect and abuse has escalated in Charter Oak as a couple now faces severe charges following the death of their 3-week-old child.
According to Crawford County District Court records, 23-year-old Chad Eugene Gibbs Jr. and 22-year-old Sarah Marie Lembke, both of Charter Oak, are accused of failing to seek timely medical care for their infant, resulting in fatal injuries.
KTIV reported that records show the incident began on Jan. 10 when Gibbs was holding his then 2-week-old baby, fell down the stairs, causing the infant’s head to strike a door frame.
Gibbs also allegedly dropped the child from a height of 3 to 4 feet. Despite visible signs of distress, including bruising and hours of inconsolable crying, the couple delayed seeking medical attention until the child lost her pulse. Emergency responders were called, but the infant later succumbed to her injuries.
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Court documents reveal further details, including that Gibbs admitted to having caused previous harm to the infant just days before the fatal incident. He told authorities that he had accidentally elbowed the baby and, out of frustration with her crying, squeezed her tightly to his chest.
Lembke, the infant’s mother, also allegedly failed to recognize the severity of the situation. Although she observed bruising on the child’s face and noted hours of persistent crying, she reportedly did not suspect Gibbs might have been responsible. Records also indicate Gibbs has a history of causing harm to Lembke’s children.
Initially charged with child endangerment resulting in serious injury, the case took a turn after the infant’s death. Gibbs is now charged with first-degree murder, a class A felony, and child endangerment resulting in death, a Class B felony. Lembke faces the Class B felony charge of child endangerment resulting in death.
Both Gibbs and Lembke have arraignment hearings scheduled for Feb. 10. If convicted, Gibbs could face life in prison without the possibility of parole while Lembke could face up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
Charter Oak couple faces new charges after infant's death
A heartbreaking case of alleged neglect and abuse has escalated in Charter Oak as a couple now faces severe charges following the death of their three-week-old child.
