3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

Putnam County father waives preliminary hearing in son’s death

WINFIELD, W.Va. — A Putnam County man appeared in court Thursday to face charges in the death of his five-week-old son.

Robert Jeremy Smith, 33, of Hurricane, was in tears as he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Last week, Smith was found in a vehicle in Kanawha City with the baby in a car seat. Madden Smith had been dead for at least 27-hour. Smith had a knife wound to his neck, an apparent attempt at suicide.

Investigators believe Madden was killed at Smith’s home in Hurricane. The baby suffered multiple skull fractures. Smith told investigators, “The baby is dead; I killed the baby.”

Smith is being held in the Western Regional Jail on $500,000 bail. He is now on suicide watch.

Meanwhile, Madden’s twin sister, Madeline, remains in the neo-natal intensive care unit at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital. She was born with a severe birth defect.

Family members said Smith and his wife separated soon after the birth of the twins and he’d been under a lot of stress.

Smith had previously been charged with child neglect in a separate case.





More News

News
Attorney General plans 'a major update' about federal case involving transgender athlete
The majority on a three-judge panel with the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against the State of West Virginia's position last week on how state law would affect the eligibility of middle school athlete Becky Pepper-Jackson.
April 23, 2024 - 2:24 pm
News
Cleveland-Cliffs CEO hinting of possible new use for idled Weirton plant
Union leader confirms discussions are underway to turn plant into operation that makes steel for electric grid transformers.
April 23, 2024 - 1:21 pm
News
Justice says Greenbrier sales tax debt is being paid. Records show one lien forgiven and a new one on pile
April 23, 2024 - 12:57 pm
News
Students across Kanawha County learn about environmental stewardship in light of Earth Day
The annual event was held the day following Earth Day, which is observed on April 22.
April 23, 2024 - 12:27 pm


Your Comments