Three Missouri residents are spending Christmas behind bars after a 4-year-old girl in their care was found unconscious, severely malnourished, and showing signs of abuse and neglect.
James Calhoun Lamb, 29, Derrick Eugene Barnby, 25, and Aireal Cole, 23, are facing serious charges of child abuse and neglect following the heartbreaking discovery... Continue reading here ▶
A Community Shocked by Tragedy
The investigation began on December 11 in Kirksville, a small town in north-central Missouri, when the little girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Her injuries were so severe that she had to be airlifted 200 miles to a St. Louis hospital. According to an affidavit, the three suspects, who lived together, were responsible for the child’s care.
Doctors reported that the girl was “significantly underweight,” had multiple bruises, brain bleeding, and an “altered mental status.” The child also suffered from untreated dental decay and was deemed severely neglected.
Lamb, one of the suspects, allegedly blamed her injuries on a fall down the stairs days earlier, but medical experts quickly debunked his claims.
Evidence Pointing to Abuse
According to the medical report, “stair falls do not usually cause major head trauma” or the type of extensive bruising the child had, particularly on her torso.
Investigators wrote that the evidence strongly suggested abuse. Lamb reportedly admitted to having anger issues but denied taking his frustration out on the child. Despite multiple interviews, he failed to provide a plausible explanation for her injuries.
The affidavit painted a grim picture: “She has suffered a multitude of severe and life-threatening issues while under his care. Furthermore, she suffers from severe malnutrition and severely decayed teeth due to neglect.”
Neglect of Another Child Discovered
The investigation also revealed another child in the home—a 1-year-old—who had “severe diaper rash consistent with neglect.” Authorities removed the infant from the household, citing failures by all three adults to provide adequate care for the children.
Facing Justice
Lamb, Barnby, and Cole are currently detained at the Adair County Jail without bond. They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday. As this tragic case unfolds, it has sparked outrage and heartbreak within the community, highlighting the critical need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
