Virginia Woman Arrested After Man Brings Dead Baby in Plastic Bag to Hospital, Dog Found Dead in Bathtub: Cops
Kristen Graham told police she has no recollection of the incident after taking a pain medication.
Sep. 16 2023, Published 12:05 p.m. ET
A woman in Virginia has been arrested in connection with the death of an infant girl and dog after they were both left inside a hot car, according to authorities.
According to police, 40-year-old Kristen Graham received a phone call on the morning of Sept. 12 from a friend asking her to bring her a pack of cigarettes. The friend was reportedly taking care of an elderly woman, so she could not leave the home to get them herself.
Graham drove to Newport News to bring her friend the cigarettes and some apple juice as the infant and a small dog rode along with her, WTKR reported.
Graham then returned to her home in York County a few hours later, rolled up the windows in her car and then left the dog and baby inside, officials said.
Authorities believe the child and dog were left in the car for about six hours before Graham found them deceased in the car after she was woken up by a phone call later that afternoon.
Investigators said 80-year-old Paul Kudlaty brought the deceased baby to a hospital in a trash bag, WTKR reported. Authorities said Kudlaty will not face any charges.
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Police were notified and they responded to Graham’s home, where they found the deceased dog in a bathtub.
Graham claimed to police she had no recollection of the events that took place leading up to the infant and dog's deaths. She said she remembers pulling into the driveway and turning off the vehicle, according to officials.
Police said Graham took Gabapentin, a pain medication, before driving to Newport News.
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According to WVEC, Graham was caring for the baby for two days. The baby’s mother, a 17 year old girl, lives in York County.
Graham was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and animal cruelty, officials said.
Authorities said they are waiting for the autopsy results and more to determine if charges could be upgraded to homicide.
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