Honk News – Authorities have taken three individuals from Kirksville into custody, facing several charges related to child abuse following the discovery of an unresponsive toddler at their home.
The arrested individuals are:
- Derrick Barnby, 25.
- Aireal Cole, 23.
- James Lamb, 29.
They are charged with multiple counts related to the abuse or neglect of a child in their custody.
Barnby and Cole are confronted with two counts, whereas Lamb is dealing with a total of five charges related to child abuse, all classified as Class B felonies.
On December 11, 2024, officers in Kirksville responded to a residence in connection with a call to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
According to probable cause statements, a call was placed regarding a four-and-a-half-year-old girl who was said to be unresponsive at her residence.
The young girl displayed multiple bruises and various physical injuries. She was transported by ambulance to the hospital and subsequently airlifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for additional care.
Lamb informed the officers that the girl had tumbled down the stairs, resulting in bruises.
Documents from the court indicate that a healthcare provider attending to the young child observed she suffered from brain injuries, which included changes in mental status and bleeding in the brain, along with several cavities. Her condition was marked by significant malnutrition.
A one-and-a-half-year-old girl was taken from her home by the Missouri Children’s Division due to severe diaper rash that indicated neglect.
Authorities have determined that the children had no additional caregivers, indicating that no one else could be held accountable for their injuries and neglect.
Barnby, Cole, and Lamb are in custody at the Adair County jail. There are no scheduled court dates.