New York Woman and Minor Accused of Using “Whip-Like Object” to Strike Child, Causing Severe Bruising, Deputies Say
CORINTH, NEW YORK — A child abuse investigation in upstate New York has resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including a woman and a minor accused of striking a victim with a “whip-like object,” causing significant bruising and injuries, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies Say Two Adults and a Minor Were Involved in Child Endangerment
Authorities say 42-year-old Gairelyn O’Donnell and 42-year-old Fred O’Donnell face four counts of endangering the welfare of a child after officers responded to a Corinth home on Nov. 5 as part of an ongoing investigation.
Deputies discovered at least four children inside the residence at the time of the incident. Officials allege that Gairelyn O’Donnell and a juvenile used a whip-style object to hit another individual, resulting in “significant bruising and lacerations.”
The injuries were severe enough to elevate charges beyond child endangerment.
Assault Charges Filed After Evidence of Physical Injuries
Authorities say Gairelyn O’Donnell and the minor each face second-degree assault, a felony that can carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison in New York.
The sheriff’s office noted that the victim’s injuries were consistent with forcefully inflicted strikes, and that the abuse took place while several other children were present.
Fred O’Donnell, while not accused of the physical assault, was arrested on multiple counts of child endangerment for allegedly allowing the environment where the abuse occurred.
After their arraignments:
- Gairelyn O’Donnell was held at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility
- Fred O’Donnell was later released on his own recognizance
- The minor involved was placed in the custody of the Saratoga County Office of Children and Family Services
“Both the woman and the minor caused significant bruising and lacerations,” deputies said, noting that the investigation remains active.
Ongoing Investigation and Concern for Children in the Home
Officials say they were assisting another agency when they first arrived at the Corinth residence. The condition of the children and the severity of the victim’s injuries prompted immediate arrests.
Deputies emphasized that additional charges could be filed as they continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Cases involving second-degree assault on minors are treated with heightened scrutiny in New York due to the long-term physical and psychological impacts on child victims.
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