CULLMAN, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say a north Alabama woman is charged following the death of her 1-year-old son.
Cullman County sheriff’s officials say 23-year-old Crystal Vialonda Ballenger and her 37-year-old boyfriend, Jeffery Hugh Brown of Vinemont, are jailed on charges of aggravated child abuse.
The woman’s son died on his birthday, which was March 11.
Sheriff’s Capt. Jon Montgomery says the couple initially took the child to a hospital saying he accidentally drowned in the bathtub.
Montgomery says that hasn’t been ruled out as a possibility, but the boy also was covered with bruises and had a fractured skull. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results.
Court documents don’t show whether Ballenger or Brown have lawyers.
Court records show Ballenger sought a protective order from alleged threats by another man in January.
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