Melissa Hunter Agg. Assault/End. Child/13 mo baby TBD
Tuesday, Jul. 29, 2008 Altoona mom accused of starving, beating toddler - The Associated Press ALTOONA, Pa. — An Altoona mother is in jail on charges she starved and beat her 13-month-old toddler. http://www.altoonamirror.com Police say if they had not arrested Melissa Dorae Hunter there was a "reasonable degree of medical certainty the child would have died." Police say the baby is in the hospital and responding to treatment. They say Hunter intentionally withheld formula from the toddler. They say the baby also has bumps, bruises and burns and is recovering from a rib fracture. Police say Hunter told them she would punish the baby for bad behavior. Hunter is in Blair County Prison for endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault and related charges. Information from: Altoona Mirror, http://www.centredaily.com/news/breaking_news/story/742354.html