Charli Homer, 19, and Jacob Bratt, 24, were both arrested on April 26 on child neglect charges, according to Marion County deputies. Bratt also faces an additional aggravated child abuse charge.
Authorities began an investigation after a nurse at AdventHealth of Ocala alerted deputies on March 26 that an infant was brought to the hospital with a fracture on the back of her skull and small bruises on her face.
The child was then taken to UF Health for further advanced medical evaluation and care.
Deputies spoke with Homer and Bratt who allegedly waited hours before getting the injured child medical attention. They advised that the baby had vomited earlier in the day, but appeared fine, though a bit “fussy.” It was after she threw up for a second time later that evening that they decided to take her to the hospital.
On the morning of the incident, Bratt claimed he was holding the baby against his shoulder, and while attempting to feed cats simultaneously, one of the cats weaved through his legs, causing him to trip.
He said he fell on top of the victim, and she began to cry, deputies said. Homer was not home at the time of the incident.
