Friday, October 22, 2010

Dad accused of slapping 6-month-old son (Jacksonville, North Carolina)

Once again, we have a case where a dad went ballistic over a crying baby. This time the accused is DONALD RAY THORNBURY.

http://www.enctoday.com/news/face-83957-jdn-jacksonville-slapping.html

Man accused of slapping baby
October 21, 2010 4:42 PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Updated at 6:19 p.m.

A Jacksonville man has been charged with child abuse after he allegedly slapped his 6-month-old son in the face, according to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.

Donald Ray Thornsberry, 27, of Pueblo Drive was charged Thursday with misdemeanor child abuse, assault on a child under 12 and contributing to a child being abused, officials said.

The alleged incident occurred Sept. 30 when the infant’s mother left the child at home with Thornsberry, who told investigators the baby began crying, so he slapped him in the face, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.

The child suffered severe bruising from the top of his head on the right side of his face to his chin line, according to warrants.

Five days after the incident, officials said, the mother took the child aboard Camp Lejeune to get clothing. A worker saw the child’s injuries and instructed the mother to report the incident to the Department of Social Services.

The mother reported the abuse and DSS called the Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.

Bond was set at $2,500.

Thornsberry is assigned to 8th Communications Battalion, 2nd Marine Headquarters Group aboard Camp Lejeune, according to Marine officials.