FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. (TCD) — A 30-year-old Army spouse stands accused of killing her 11-month-old child with a weapon in the presence of her two other children.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, on Nov. 15, April Short of Fort Eisenhower allegedly “used a knife to cut the neck of an 11-month-old child” while she “engaged in the knowing and willful perpetration of child abuse.” The victim was transported to Eisenhower Army Medical Center and pronounced dead.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WSB-TV, April Short texted James Short, a military staff sergeant at Fort Eisenhower, and made references to God. She allegedly said to him, “The days of darkness are upon us.”
James Short went home and reportedly found his wife shuttered inside a bedroom with their 11-year-old, 6-year-old, and 11-month-old. April Short would not leave the room, and authorities arrived on scene to help get her out.
According to WSB, April Short eventually left the bedroom with her 11-year-old and 6-year-old, and she walked out of the home with them.
James Short and the officers reportedly entered the bedroom and found the 11-month-old child suffering from stab wounds.
April Short allegedly tried to drive away with the two other children, but officers stopper her and took her into custody.
According to WSB, Short confessed to injuring the 11-month-old child. The two other children reportedly told police their mother said she stabbed the victim so the child could “be with Jesus and God.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 6, the attorney’s office announced that a federal jury indicted Short on charges of premeditated murder and felony murder. She is in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service.
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