Babysitter Charged with Causing Fatal Head and Body Injuries to 10-Month-Old Infant

In a tragic incident from South Carolina, a babysitter entrusted with the care of a 10-month-old boy has been found guilty of inflicting “extensive head and body injuries” that resulted in the infant’s death.

This week, Jacob Ray Wescott received a 33-year prison sentence following a jury’s conviction for homicide by child abuse. The sentencing was announced in a press release from the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The incident unfolded on March 9, 2020, when Kershaw County fire department officials rushed to Wescott’s home after 10-month-old Baby Jack ceased breathing.

Emergency medical personnel quickly transported the infant to a nearby hospital, and he was subsequently moved to a specialized children’s hospital for further care.

According to the prosecution, medical evaluations revealed that the child had endured severe injuries, including a brain bleed and numerous bruises on his body.

Sadly, on March 11, 2020, Jack was removed from life support. The autopsy concluded that his death was due to injuries that are characteristic of abusive head trauma, previously known as shaken baby syndrome.

According to local ABC affiliate WACH, Wescott told deputies he fed the boy formula before the two fell asleep for about 90 minutes. Suddenly the child began “spazzing out.” He stopped breathing and a witness in the home called 911.

There were two other minors at the home at the time, per WACH.

Detectives concluded that the trauma was no accident and that Wescott, then 23, hurt the baby intentionally. Authorities did not say in the press release what led up to the incident or describe Wescott’s connection with the boy’s family other than saying he was a babysitter.

“Our victim’s advocate has been in contact with the mother of the child and all support we have available to us will be offered to her or has already been offered to her. We’re just trying to help the family along the way,” Sheriff Lee Boan said at the time.

A family friend said in a GoFundMe account description that Jack was cremated after his death.

“Baby Jack’s mother has the heartbreaking task of signing the paperwork for his cremation,” the account said. “She posted earlier that she should be planning his 1st birthday party, not his funeral. Just so sad and terribly unfair this tragedy.”