A Chilhowee couple, Yvonne Patricia Arnold and Gregory Dean Arnold, have been charged with child abuse resulting in death and second-degree murder following the tragic death of their newborn baby shortly after birth in 2009. The couple allegedly chose to give birth at home despite medical advice and failed to seek necessary medical attention for their child.
Key Takeaways
- Yvonne and Gregory Arnold face serious charges related to the death of their newborn.
- The couple reportedly did not seek medical help after the birth, believing the child would die regardless.
- They buried the baby in their backyard and later moved the remains to their new home.
Details Of The Case
The incident dates back to 2009 when Yvonne Arnold gave birth at home. Despite being advised to go to a hospital, the couple decided against it. According to a probable cause statement, they believed that the newborn would not survive and thus did not seek medical assistance.
The following day, the couple buried the infant’s body in their backyard. When they moved to a new residence, they allegedly had some of their other children dig up the body to relocate it.
Current Legal Status
The Arnolds are currently being held without bond at the Johnson County Jail. They are scheduled to make their initial court appearances at 9 a.m. on Friday. This case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Previous Charges
In addition to the current charges, the Arnolds were previously charged with statutory sodomy in September. This history of legal issues adds another layer of complexity to their case and raises questions about the welfare of their other children.
Community Reaction
The community has been left in shock by the news of this tragic event. Many are calling for justice for the newborn and expressing concern for the couple’s other children. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the family’s circumstances and history.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely continue to attract media attention and public scrutiny. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting issues of child welfare and parental responsibility in tragic situations.
Sources
- Chilhowee couple charged with child abuse and murder for newborn’s death | News | kmzu.com, KMZU.com.
