Trial date set for woman accused of cracking child's skull

A trial date has been scheduled for a mother charged with endangering the welfare of a minor for allegedly beating a 2-year-old baby, reportedly cracking the skull, according to the arrest affidavit filed in the Little River County, Ark., Circuit Court.

Kathryn Louise Adams, 25, of Little River County, has been charged with the Class D felony. The potential sentence ranges from zero to six years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

During the court proceedings Tuesday in Ashdown, 9th Circuit Court Judge Tom Cooper scheduled a pretrial date of April 4 and a trial date of April 24 in the Little River County Circuit Court in Ashdown.

The investigation started July 7, 2016, when a 2-year-old girl was taken to the Little River Memorial Hospital by the mother. The child was vomiting and had not eaten in 24 hours.

A CT scan revealed a skull fracture and the child was transported by helicopter to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, according to the arrest affidavit.

The child was treated at the children's hospital for a depressed skull fracture. Bruises were noted on the child in various stages of healing. Medical staff noted injuries, including a dark purple left ear, a reddish purple bruise on the right ear, a left eyelid and upper cheek with brown and yellow bruising and swelling on the forehead.

The child also had bruises on the left ribs, tailbone and along the spine.

"The hair follicle test on the child resulted in a positive reading for methamphetamine," the arrest affidavit said.

"The medical staff at the Arkansas Children's Hospital said not all the injuries were consistent with a fall from a trampoline," the affidavit said.

The report said the mother did not witness the fall from the trampoline. A 6-year-old child was also playing on the trampoline with the 2-year-old without any adult supervision near the child. The report said the mother did not see the incident and only saw the child after the incident.

Adams posted the $20,000 bond and has been released from custody pending the April trial dates.

The Department of Human Services placed the child into the custody of the paternal grandparents.

Upcoming Events