Augusta parents charged after infant hospitalized with severe injuries

Two Augusta parents were booked June 22 in Richmond County on first-degree cruelty to children charges after their 2-month-old daughter was hospitalized with severe injuries that doctors said were consistent with child abuse. Jasiah Bethea, 20, and Mary Green, 19, were booked on the charges June 22, according to booking records. The baby was taken to Wellstar MCG Health early June 21, according to authorities.

Authorities said medical staff contacted the Richmond County Sheriff's Office after diagnosing the infant with two rib fractures, and a doctor later told investigators the child also had a brain bleed, retinal hemorrhaging and a suspected leg fracture. Investigators said the parents told them Bethea had been patting the baby after she seemed to be having trouble breathing, and that the injuries may have happened then.

The incident was reported at a home on Wylds Road in Augusta, according to an incident report.