A West Virginia woman is facing murder charges in connection with the death of an 11-year-old girl after authorities say the child was deprived of food, proper nutrition, and medical care for several years.
Court records show that 51-year-old Shannon Faith Robinson of Grafton has been charged with murder of a child by a parent or guardian. The charge was filed in Taylor County Magistrate Court.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies and emergency medical crews responded to a home on Nector Street in February of last year after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.
When first responders arrived, deputies noted the girl was wearing disposable diapers and appeared extremely small for her age. She was described as severely underweight and malnourished.
Investigators said caregivers reported the child had been experiencing flu-like symptoms for about a week and was wearing diapers due to ongoing diarrhea.
Court documents state the girl was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died. Records indicate there were no documented medical visits for the child dating back to 2020.
Medical examiners reported the child weighed just 43 pounds and had visibly protruding bones, along with multiple bruises and lacerations on her arms, legs, and torso.
A final autopsy report released in October concluded the cause of death was bilateral, diffuse, acute bronchopneumonia, with failure to thrive listed as a contributing factor.
Investigators said witness interviews revealed Robinson allegedly refused to seek medical care for the child out of fear of being reported for child abuse or neglect. Records further allege that withholding food was used as a form of punishment.
Court records also note that while Robinson was identified as a primary caregiver, the girl’s biological father and legal guardian allowed the conditions to continue and failed to intervene despite the child’s worsening health. He has not been charged at this time.
Robinson is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail while awaiting court proceedings.