Raleigh County, West Virginia – A West Virginia woman has been arrested after deputies say she slammed her infant child face-down onto the floor following a night marked by violent confrontations, leaving the child with visible injuries and a family shaken.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, Shaniqua Gibson, 34, is charged with one count of child neglect with risk of death or injury. Jail records confirm she is currently being held in the Raleigh County Jail as the investigation continues.
What deputies say happened
The incident unfolded during the early morning hours of December 21, when deputies were dispatched just before 3 a.m. in response to a reported case of child abuse and neglect. The call led law enforcement to a residence in Raleigh County, where they met with the person who made the complaint, identified as the father of the infant victim.
According to investigators, the father told deputies that earlier in the night, several friends were gathered at his home when Gibson became involved in a physical altercation with another woman. The argument escalated into violence, with the two women allegedly pulling each other’s hair and attempting to seriously harm one another.
The father said he intervened, separated the women, and ultimately asked both of them to leave the residence to prevent the situation from worsening.
A second confrontation later that night
Authorities say the conflict did not end there. According to the father’s statement, Gibson later returned to the property, and another confrontation occurred outside in the driveway. He reportedly told deputies that Gibson had been in a bad mood throughout the day, which he believed contributed to the escalating behavior that followed.
After the situation outside appeared to calm down, the father went upstairs inside the home. It was at that point that he discovered his 1-year-old child crying, prompting what deputies describe as a sudden and violent reaction.
Alleged assault on the infant
According to the sheriff’s office, the father told deputies that Gibson grabbed the infant, slammed the child onto the floor, and held the baby face-down. Law enforcement noted that the child had visible abrasions on the nose, injuries that deputies say were consistent with the account provided.
The infant’s injuries were documented by responding deputies, and the child’s condition was evaluated as part of the investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about medical treatment or the child’s current status.
A child witness speaks out
Deputies also learned that the couple’s 4-year-old daughter was present and allegedly witnessed the incident. According to law enforcement, while deputies were still on scene, the young girl sat up in bed and confirmed what had happened.
“Mommy did it,” the child reportedly told deputies.
Investigators noted that the child’s statement aligned with the father’s account of events.
Charges and investigation status
Based on the information gathered at the scene, deputies arrested Gibson on a charge of child neglect with risk of death or injury, a serious felony offense under West Virginia law. As of the latest update, no bail amount or court date has been publicly released, and officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
The sheriff’s office has not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the case develops or whether other agencies, such as Child Protective Services, are involved.
Community impact and next steps
Cases involving alleged harm to infants and young children often prompt broader reviews of household safety and custody arrangements. Authorities typically coordinate with child welfare officials to ensure the immediate protection of minors while criminal proceedings move forward.
Deputies have not released further details about the family’s living situation or any prior history involving law enforcement.
Conclusion
A Raleigh County mother remains behind bars after deputies say a night of violent confrontations ended with an infant being slammed face-down on the floor, an incident witnessed by a young sibling and confirmed to police on scene. As investigators continue to review the case, authorities say protecting the children involved remains a top priority.
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