Bertie County, NC – Authorities have indicted a mother who allegedly beat her 2-year-old daughter to death, then tried to claim the injuries were caused by a fall down the stairs. The shocking case has drawn statewide attention to child welfare oversight and safety.
Charges and Arrest Details
Raja Drain, 28, faces murder and felony child abuse charges in the December death of Jamie Drain. Law enforcement arrested Drain in Connecticut on Monday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest. She is currently awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
Incident Overview
According to Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin, deputies responded to a home on December 2, 2024, after a report of an unresponsive child. First responders performed CPR on Jamie Drain, but she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Drain claimed she had been cooking in the kitchen when she heard a “thud” and found her daughter “foaming at the mouth and shaking.” She also told authorities that Jamie had allegedly fallen down stairs around Thanksgiving, but Sheriff Ruffin confirmed:
“But that wasn’t the case.”
The autopsy revealed blunt force trauma to the head, ruling the death a homicide. Medical examiners determined that the injuries could not have been inflicted by the child or another child, and Drain was the only adult present in the home.
Community and Emotional Impact
Sheriff Ruffin described Jamie as:
“A bundle of joy… a bright light of Jamie and her family turned into a dark and unreal reality.”
Local child welfare officials confirmed that Jamie had previously been taken into protective custody following a child abuse case but was returned to her mother shortly before her death. Her death prompted a state takeover of the Bertie County Department of Social Services, highlighting concerns about child safety in the region.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Detectives awaited autopsy results before presenting the case to a grand jury, which subsequently indicted Drain. Authorities have not released details about the circumstances leading to the child’s death or whether a weapon was involved.
After her daughter’s death, Drain reportedly traveled to Wethersfield, Connecticut, to stay with family. Police there were initially called for a domestic-related incident and discovered the outstanding North Carolina warrant. During her hearing, she was ordered held on $2 million bond.
Next Steps
Drain is currently in custody in Connecticut and will face extradition to North Carolina to answer the murder and child abuse charges. Authorities continue to monitor the case closely, emphasizing child safety and community awareness.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Jamie Drain underscores the importance of child welfare oversight and vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. Authorities are urging the public to report suspected abuse and remain aware of child safety protocols in their communities.
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