An Ohio woman has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities allege she threw her 9-month-old son across a room, resulting in the child’s death. Billie Jo Tustin faces charges of murder, aggravated murder, felonious assault, and endangering children, according to court documents.
On September 17, Tustin called emergency services and reported that her infant was not breathing. The child was transported to a hospital where medical staff found he had suffered several brain bleeds as well as skull and neck fractures. Prosecutors stated that these injuries were consistent with being thrown.
Investigators said Tustin admitted to throwing her son approximately 15 feet across a room and told them this was not the first time she had done so. She also reportedly confessed to spanking and slapping the child out of frustration.
Tustin’s boyfriend, Anfernee Barthel, who also lived in the home, is accused of failing to intervene or seek help for the injured infant. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children.
Neighbor Kelli Wallace expressed concern about the incident: “I’m frustrated when someone does something to someone that is so innocent,” she told WYSX.
Tustin is scheduled to appear in court again on September 26.
