DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A Dothan woman is facing a felony charge after police say she admitted to injuring a child under the age of five, who is now hospitalized in serious condition.
Dothan police were notified by hospital staff around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, after medical personnel observed severe bruising on a young child who was being prepped for emergency surgery. Officers were told the child had extensive bruising across their body and face, prompting concern about possible abuse.
The child’s caregiver, identified as 24-year-old Selena Cheyanna Smith of Dothan, initially told investigators the child had fallen and hit their head on a table while running inside a home on Jimmie Lane. However, according to both hospital staff and police, the injuries were not consistent with that explanation.
Investigators said Smith later admitted to causing the injuries. According to authorities, Smith became frustrated while attempting to discipline the child and allegedly threw the child to the ground, resulting in blunt-force trauma to the head. Medical professionals said the injuries led to brain swelling, a life-threatening condition.
The child has since been transferred to another hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition.
Smith has been charged with one count of aggravated child abuse in Dale County. She was booked into the Dale County Jail and is being held without bond.
