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The mother of a two-month and 10-day-old baby girl, who died from complications associated with 13 broken ribs, pneumonia, and a drug overdose, has been found guilty by a Benton County jury of first-degree manslaughter and criminal mistreatment.
During testimony, which concluded on Tuesday, June 2, the jury was told how baby Opal Oaks was ‘tossed like a rag doll’ by her father, Andrew Oaks.
The court also heard how her mother, Albin Oaks, failed to seek medical care for the baby, who had a fever and was having trouble breathing and sleeping.
The Baby Had 13 Broken Ribs Consistent With Being Squeezed
Medical experts testified that the baby had fractured ribs consistent with being squeezed. There were fractures in 18 different locations of the 13 broken ribs.
The ribs were in different stages of healing, indicating that the injuries occurred on three separate occasions.
Opal also had both chronic and acute pneumonia. The protective membrane of one lung was punctured as a result of complications related to the rib fractures.
The Infant Was Also Suffering From Methamphetamine Toxicity
The baby was also suffering from methamphetamine toxicity and tested positive for a level that would have made an adult high. She also had diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in her system. The medication is used as an over-the-counter sleep aid.
An autopsy determined that baby Opal’s death was a homicide.
Medical experts also testified that Albin failed to seek medical care, despite the baby exhibiting symptoms of illness and experiencing a fever.
Albin, however, only contacted 911 after Opal had stopped breathing.
At the trial, an investigation by Detective Lieutenant David Iverson of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office was entered as evidence.
Iverson found Albin saw her husband ‘tossing’ or ‘throwing’ the baby around ‘like a rag doll.’ However, that did not stop her from leaving Opal alone with Oaks.
Pictures taken while she was still alive showed bruising to the baby’s head and around her nose.
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