WELLSBURG, W.Va. — A Brooke County couple charged in connection with the death of their infant child now face charges in connection with alleged animal torture.
Caleb DeCapio, 21, and Hope Taylor, 20, of Follansbee, were both charged last week with 28 counts of gross neglect of child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury following the death of their one-month-old baby.
They are now also charged with two counts each of torturing or killing animals. The charges were filed Monday in Brooke County Magistrate Court.
According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, the Brooke County humane officer alleges a female pit bull mix named Daisy, believed to be 8-9 years-old, was curled up in ja plastic tote inside a wire crate. The dog was in the basement of the Follansbee residence of DeCapio and Taylor. The dog was alive but emaciated.
The officer found a 1-2 year-old pit bull mix named Scrappy in another part of the basement. The dog was in a padlocked steel crate.
“The crate had a plastic tote with dog food inside, shredded plastic and stuffing that was saturated with urine and feces,” the criminal complaint said.
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Both dogs were taken to Wheeling Veterinary Associates in Wheeling. Both were found to have ear infections and several other medical issues.
The criminal complaint said “it’s alleged the dogs were intentionally subjected to torture as a result of their living conditions.”
The original criminal complaint described the condition of the home.
“The residence was in deplorable condition, including several piles of animal feces, multiple dirty diapers, and dishes covered in mold in the kitchen.” the complaint said. “This Deputy noted that the bedroom was also deplorable, this Deputy noted that the room contained a large amount of dirty/soiled diapers, used baby wipes, garbage, and animal feces. This Deputy noted that the bassinet that the child was found in was just off the right side of the bed. Deputies note that the bassinette contained approximately three (3) blankets, a pacifier, and other small towels.”
The criminal complaint further noted 80 to 100 soiled diapers in the bedroom and more than 20 baby bottles filled with rotten milk. There was also various food items around the room with various degrees of mold.
According to the criminal complaint, Hope Taylor told deputies she was breast feeding the child while lying in bed and fell asleep. When she awoke, she told deputies the child was between her and DeCapio and unresponsive.
Authorities said when deputies observed the child’s body in the ambulance there appeared to be a bruise on the back of its head near the base of the skull and blood on the cheek.
DeCapio and Taylor are now being held on $200,000 bail each.
Taylor’s preliminary hearing was continued Monday. DeCapio is scheduled to be in magistrate court Friday for a preliminary hearing.