Washington – A Washington woman was taken into custody last week and is now facing charges of attempted murder in the first degree and first-degree assaaIt of a chiId. She was taken into custody by deputies after investigators identified her in a probe into severe injuries sustained by her baby.
According to the Washington authorities, the 2-month-old was brought to the emergency room in Bremerton last month by the child’s father because the baby was vomiting and showing other concerning symptoms. Medical staff identified a brain bIeed and multiple fractures in various stages of healing, and the child was later transferred for additional treatment. Physicians told investigators the brain bIeed was consistent with shaking and that the pattern and number of fractures indicated non-accidental trauma.
Washington authorities and the unit handling general investigations say their inquiry focused on who had care of the child when the injuries occurred. Investigators reviewed medical findings, interviewed family members and others who had contact with the child, and examined messages and other evidence recovered during the probe. After presenting the case to the prosecuting attorney’s office, charges were filed and a warrant was issued. Multiple local agencies assisted with locating and arresting the mother, 27-year-old S. McNase.
Court documents and police reports released during the investigation include alleged online messages sent from an account identified as the woman’s that expressed violent thoughts toward the baby In the messages quoted by Washington authorities, the sender wrote that the baby’s crying made her fear she would “snap” and included language saying she wanted to shake the child to death. Detectives say those messages were part of what prompted deeper review of the infant’s injuries. “Like I legit want to shake her to death or throw her on top of the floor so hard she dies,” she reportedly told her friend.
Investigators interviewed all people who were involved in the infant’s care. The child’s father, who brought the baby to the hospital, provided information about the child’s symptoms and the events leading up to the emergency room visit, and other family members were questioned about the infant’s medical history and who had been the primary caregiver. Law enforcement said the medical evidence showed injuries occurred while the infant was in the mother’s care.
The woman has denied intending harm in statements to investigators, and in interviews she reportedly said some of the online messages “were not meant” and described struggles with anxiety and postpartum depression. Those statements were recorded in the investigative file and noted by police as part of the record they reviewed when presenting the case to prosecutors. The child survived the injuries and is in the care of other family members while the criminal process proceeds.
Prosecutors filed the charges after receiving the investigative report and supporting documentation from detectives and medical personnel. As of the most recent public releases, she has been booked into the county jail and is scheduled to appear in court; additional hearings and formal arraignment dates are set through the court system. Police and prosecutors declined to comment on investigative details that could affect the pending case, and police asked anyone with relevant information to contact their investigations unit.