A 40-year-old mother in West Virginia has been arrested for allegedly assaulting her 5-year-old daughter by pinning her down and forcibly removing her teeth in a disturbing incident inside their home last week.
Rebecca Lee Bailey was taken into custody and charged with one count of felony child abuse causing bodily injury by a parent or guardian, according to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime. The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of suspected child abuse at a residence in Lester, about 60 miles southeast of Charleston, on Thursday.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies interviewed those inside the home and launched a preliminary investigation.
“Through their investigation, it was determined that the suspect, Rebecca Bailey, had allegedly pinned down her 5-year-old daughter and tried pulling the victim’s teeth out,” the sheriff’s office stated. “The suspect did pull out two of the victim’s bottom front teeth.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether any tools or objects were used to extract the teeth. The sheriff’s office has not yet responded to follow-up questions regarding the nature of the injuries or what may have prompted the attack.
A witness inside the home told deputies that during the alleged assault, Bailey was shouting that the child “had a demon in her” and was seen clutching a cross while attacking her daughter.
Thankfully, another family member was awakened by the commotion and quickly intervened to stop the assault and called law enforcement. That individual stayed with the child until deputies arrived.
Bailey was immediately arrested and transported to Southern Regional Jail. She is being held on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing before Judge Greg Tanner on June 30 at 10 a.m.
While investigators have not identified a clear motive, Child Protective Services and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the home to ensure the child received medical attention and was placed in a safe environment. The young girl was later released into the care of a responsible family member.
In a statement, Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton praised the swift action taken by deputies Lilly and Eller, as well as the family member who intervened to protect the child.
“Thanks to the quick thinking and courage of the family member who stepped in — and the deputies who responded immediately — this child is now safe,” the sheriff’s office said.
The case remains under investigation.
