A disturbing incident took place last week in Lester, West Virginia, where a 40-year-old mother, Rebecca Lee Bailey, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse. She allegedly attacked her 5-year-old daughter inside their home, pulling out several of the child’s teeth.
The incident was witnessed by a family member, and law enforcement quickly intervened to protect the child. Below, we explore the details of this troubling case.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred last Thursday when deputies from the Raleigh Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about potential child abuse at a home in Lester, located around 60 miles southeast of Charleston.
Upon their arrival, deputies began investigating the situation. They found that Rebecca Bailey had allegedly pinned her 5-year-old daughter down and tried to pull her teeth out.
According to the sheriff’s office report, Bailey managed to remove two of her daughter’s bottom front teeth during the attack. It is unclear whether she used any tools or relied solely on her hands. Authorities did not provide further details on this aspect of the case.
A Witness to the Attack
A witness to the incident shared troubling information with investigators. The witness reported hearing Bailey yelling that her daughter “had a demon in her” while holding a cross. This statement suggests that Bailey may have been influenced by a delusion or believed her daughter was possessed.
Fortunately, another family member in the home woke up during the disturbance and was able to intervene. The family member stayed with the child and called the authorities to report the abuse.
Response from Law Enforcement
Deputies acted quickly and detained Rebecca Bailey on charges of felony child abuse. She was taken to the Southern Regional Jail for processing and is currently being held on a $50,000 bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 30 before Judge Greg Tanner.
Authorities have not provided any details about Bailey’s motive for the attack. They also did not reveal if she had any previous history of mental health issues.
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to ensure the child received proper medical attention. Afterward, the 5-year-old was placed in the care of a responsible family member.
Community’s Response and Support
Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton praised the family member who intervened during the attack, as well as the deputies who responded to the situation with care and professionalism. This act of intervention likely prevented further harm to the child, and the community’s response to the crisis was swift.
This shocking case of child abuse highlights the importance of remaining vigilant in our communities. Thankfully, the child’s safety was ensured through the intervention of a family member and the prompt response of local law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on ensuring the 5-year-old remains in a safe environment and that justice is served. Rebecca Bailey is currently facing felony charges, and the legal process will determine her fate.
