Authorities Make Horrifying Discovery of Girl, 4, with Brain Bleed and ‘Altered Mental Status,’ Then Arrest Caretakers

Mar. 15, 2025

Derrick Barnby, Aireal Cole and James Lamb.

Adair County Sheriff’s Office

Police have charged three Missouri residents with child neglect after discovering a small child under their care in severe physical distress.

After being airlifted to a children’s hospital in Saint Louis, doctors discovered that the child was suffering from severe brain injuries, including hemorrhaging, as well as an “altered mental state,” malnutrition, and “extensive” cavities in her teeth.

But doctors allegedly found several signs that Lamb may not have been honest with police, according to the affidavits, which claimed the extensive nature of the child’s injuries were inconsistent with a single fall down the stairs.

In the affidavits, police also said the fall down the stairs wouldn’t explain what authorities described as the girl’s “severe malnutrition” which caused her to be “significantly underweight,” as well as her cavities. Further, another child removed from the home, Lamb’s 1-year-old daughter, was allegedly found to be suffering from severe diaper rash.

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source: people.com