A Tennessee mother has been arrested after investigators alleged that she repeatedly failed to take her infant son to critical follow-up medical appointments despite being told he had a bone disorder requiring ongoing treatment to prevent additional injuries.
Kayla Antonette Wells, 24, has been charged with child neglect and was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Tuesday, according to court records.
Hospital Visit Triggered Investigation
According to an affidavit, the investigation began on April 23, when officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis after receiving a report of a possible child abuse case.
Hospital staff told officers that Wells had brought her 6-month-old son to the hospital because he was suffering from congestion and what appeared to be an arm injury.
During the medical examination, doctors performed additional testing and discovered that the infant had multiple fractures.
Initially, medical staff believed the injuries could have been the result of non-accidental trauma, prompting the child abuse report.
Doctors Identified Underlying Bone Disorder
According to investigators, further medical testing later revealed that the baby had an underlying bone disorder that may have contributed to the multiple fractures.
Hospital personnel reportedly informed Wells about the diagnosis and explained that the child required ongoing medical care and regular follow-up appointments to properly treat the condition and reduce the risk of additional bone injuries.
Authorities said Wells was also provided with a treatment plan outlining the medical care her son would need.
Police Say Mother Missed Numerous Follow-Up Visits
Despite receiving those instructions, investigators allege that Wells repeatedly failed to bring her son back for scheduled medical appointments.
According to the affidavit, Wells and the child were marked as “no shows” for multiple follow-up visits over a period of more than two months.
The missed appointments reportedly occurred between May 6 and July 13.
Police allege that the repeated absences prevented the infant from receiving the medical monitoring and treatment recommended by doctors.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following the investigation, authorities arrested Wells on a charge of child neglect.
She was booked into the Shelby County Jail, where her bond was set at $10,000.
Court records show that Wells appeared for a video arraignment on Wednesday.
A bail review hearing was scheduled for Thursday.
Child’s Current Status Not Released
Authorities have not disclosed the current medical condition of the infant or whether he remains hospitalized.
Police also have not said who is currently caring for the child while the criminal case against Wells proceeds.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward with the child neglect case.
The charge against Wells is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
