Police dispatchers received a concerning call Thursday night about a possible child abuse incident in south Bakersfield.
A 2-year-old girl was taken by police from a residence on Vernal Place and was quickly transported to the hospital, where she sadly passed away due to her injuries. Authorities have placed an additional child in protective custody.
Two individuals taken into custody for child abuse allegations. A 29-year-old man named Greg MacDonald faces charges in connection with the death of a child. Chandy MacCarthy, aged 40, has been charged with child endangerment.
Two individuals from Reno, Nevada, MacDonald and MacCarthy, have been taken into custody at Lerdo Jail.
Brent Maddox noticed an unexpected police presence on his typically peaceful street.
“They patrol the area, but I rarely witness any violence or similar incidents,” Maddox stated.
This account highlights another heartbreaking instance of suspected child abuse in Kern County. Kern Public Health released its child death review report for 2023 on Tuesday. There were 64 fatalities among individuals under the age of 17.
Accidental incidents were the leading cause of death. Thirteen of these incidents were linked to blunt force injuries, such as those from vehicle collisions. Seven cases were classified as homicides; four victims were shot, and two succumbed to fentanyl overdoses.