More Details Released In Belmont Infant Murder Case
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While not offering many specifics of what his deputies dealt with, Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said the scene of the alleged murder of a 1-year-old child was something that “no one would want to see.”
Zusack offered more information in the incident, which happened Friday at a home on Buttermilk Road in Belmont. The child’s mother, 20-year-old Autum Palmer, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated murder. Palmer, also known as Autum Stotelmyer, made her initial appearance before Belmont County Western Division Court Judge Eric Costine on Monday and is being held without bond at the Belmont County Jail.
At around 8:38 a.m. Friday, Belmont County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from a woman reporting an emergency at the home. Belmont County deputies and emergency personnel arrived there around 8:47 a.m.
Upon arriving, they found an unresponsive 1-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Deputies attempted live-saving measures, but the child died at the scene. Palmer was then taken into custody.
Because of the active criminal investigation, Zusack said further details regarding evidence, motive and statements will not be released at this time. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Belmont County Coroner’s Office are assisting.
“It was a very difficult scene to deal with,” Zusack said. “I commend my guys and gals that were on the scene. It’s just a shame what happened.”
Zusack also said that, after seeing some discussion of the case on social media, that those people should be careful with their comments.
“I would like to just tell people to have a little empathy and respect for the family and the people who are mourning,” he said. “Let’s let the judicial system take care of this problem. This is something nobody wants to see.”
Zusack also mentioned his concern for the deputies who answered the call.
“This takes a toll on my people,” he said. “And I worry about that.”
A preliminary hearing for Palmer is scheduled for Aug. 11 in Western Division Court, but Belmont County Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vavra said prosecutors would present this case to Wednesday’s Belmont County grand jury. An indictment there would send the case to the common pleas docket.