Nebraska Mother Charged With Abuse After Infant Suffers Severe Brain Damage
Police allege the 20-year-old mother repeatedly harmed her 42-day-old daughter, causing bleeding on both sides of the brain and seven broken ribs.
A Nebraska mother has been charged with intentional child abuse resulting in injury after allegedly causing severe brain damage to her 42-day-old daughter. Kayleigh Lowe, 20, is accused of slamming her infant daughter, Hazel Marie Kae, against the floor of their Lincoln home, throwing her in the air, and squeezing her ribs.
These alleged actions resulted in bleeding on both sides of Hazel's brain and seven fractured ribs, according to Lancaster County Court records. The infant was initially taken to Bryan Medical Center before being transferred to Children's Hospital in Omaha on September 13.
Doctors at Children's Hospital have indicated that Hazel sustained permanent brain injuries. Cooper Miller, the child's father, stated that much of Hazel's brain is filled with fluid, which may affect her eyesight. He also noted that her ribs are healing and her bruising has subsided. Doctors believe Hazel will survive her injuries.
Court documents reveal that Lowe searched for “shaken baby syndrome” on her phone on September 2, eight days before taking Hazel to an emergency room, where she left against medical advice. She reportedly told law enforcement that she was experiencing difficulties with her daughter and admitted to intentionally abusing the newborn. These alleged instances included hitting Hazel in the mouth, throwing her, and squeezing her ribs. Records also indicate Lowe searched for “how much time are you charged for child murder?” on her phone.
Lowe was arrested on October 1 and booked into Lancaster County Jail. Her bond was set at $1 million, and she is scheduled to return to court on November 5. Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services is working to remove custody from Lowe.
Miller has been actively involved in Hazel's care since Lowe's arrest. A GoFundMe campaign, established to support Miller's travel expenses to Omaha for hospital visits, rehabilitation costs, and potential equipment needs, had raised $330 of its $5,500 goal as of Thursday afternoon. Miller announced on Facebook that Hazel would be transferred to a rehabilitation facility and that her last name would be changed to Miller, a process he hoped would be completed the following day.