A Beatrice couple has been taken into custody in connection with the tragic passing of a 4-month-old infant.
Austin Meyn and Ashlen Zitel, both 27, were arrested and taken to the Gage County Jail over the weekend, facing charges related to child abuse.
Zitel, the child’s mother, appeared in court on Monday and was ordered to be held on a $250,000 bond.
An incident unfolded on Aug. 15, when emergency personnel were dispatched to a residence in Beatrice in response to a distressing situation involving a 4-month-old infant who was experiencing difficulty breathing.
Tragically, the infant was rushed to a hospital, where medical professionals declared the devastating news of his passing.
According to an arrest affidavit, Meyn, Zitel’s boyfriend, became frustrated when the baby wouldn’t stop crying while he was watching them.
Authorities have reported that in an alarming incident, Meyn deliberately restricted the child’s oxygen supply by placing him face down on a bed, in an attempt to cease his crying.
An affidavit reveals that Zitel was aware of Meyn’s methods and did not raise any concerns, as indicated by text messages.
Court documents reveal that an autopsy determined the baby suffered from “non-accidental trauma,” which included broken ribs and bleeding in the brain.
The Beatrice Police Department has reported that the findings align with shaken baby syndrome.
Meyn is charged with two serious felonies: intentional child abuse resulting in death and negligent child abuse resulting in death.
He is scheduled to appear in Gage County Court for arraignment on Tuesday.
Zitel faces charges of negligent child abuse resulting in death and child abuse with no injury, which is considered a misdemeanor.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 15th.