CHARLESTON, WV — In a harrowing case, Kimberly A. Sears, 26, and her boyfriend, Robert F. Reinhold, 22, face charges for the death of Sears’ 3-year-old son. The incident, which occurred in West Virginia, has led to both individuals being charged with child death by a parent, guardian, or custodian by child abuse.
Authorities responded to a 911 call around 6:27 p.m. on December 5, concerning an unresponsive child at a residence in the 400 block of Northridge Drive. The call, made by Reinhold, initially claimed that the child had suffered a fall, striking his head.
The toddler was urgently transported to the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and then to Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU in critical condition. Reinhold, present at the scene when authorities arrived, initially told police the child fell and hit his head on the carpeted floor while Sears was at work. His story later changed, suggesting the child’s head might have hit a dresser drawer.
Reinhold was subsequently arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in injury and malicious or unlawful assault. Reports indicate that Reinhold later admitted to shoving the toddler in the chest as a punishment for trying to kiss his sister, leading to the child falling and hitting his head on the dresser drawer.
This tragic case continues to unfold as investigations proceed, leaving a community in shock and grappling with the severity of the allegations.
