A year-and-a-half investigation into the death of a three-month-old child has culminated in murder charges against the infant’s father, police announced Wednesday.
The case dates back to the early morning hours of September 12, 2024. According to the Marion Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home on Carroll Street just after midnight following a report of an infant in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, authorities located the unresponsive baby in a bedroom with the mother.
According to Fox Carolina, first responders initiated immediate lifesaving measures on-site before the infant was rushed to McDowell Hospital. Due to the severity of the situation, the child was later transferred to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where the infant ultimately passed away.
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Following an 18-month investigation, authorities identified the father, Timothy Michael Blake Thorne, as the suspect. Thorne has been formally charged with murder and felony child abuse.
At the time the charges were served, Thorne was already in custody at the McDowell County Jail on an unrelated matter. He is currently being held without bond, according to the outlet.
The Marion Police Department stated that the investigation remains active. Detectives are currently reviewing the case files to determine if any additional charges will be filed in connection with the death.
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