SEDALIA, Mo. – The mother and father of a six-week-old baby were arrested after the infant was found with severe injuries.
Patricia Marquess’ 35-year-old son, Jesse Marquess, and his 21-year-old girlfriend, Tabitha Stark, are now facing charges after paramedics rushed their six-week-old baby boy to the hospital.
“It’s hard. I’m worried sick because I’ve got a bad heart and I don’t want this to throw me into a heart attack,” said Patricia.
On Saturday night police arrested the pair at their apartment on East 6th Street in Sedalia.
“I just don’t believe my son would do anything to hurt his own child,” said Patricia.
Jesse Marquess is charged with child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Tabitha Stark is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Marquess allegedly burned the couple’s son in hot water. Reportedly, the child also has a fractured skull and broken bones.
During an exclusive interview Tuesday, FOX 4’s Robert Townsend asked Patricia Marquess if she thought her son and his girlfriend would hurt their own child.
“I don’t believe so. I especially don’t believe my son would do that. He has several children and he would never mistreat any one of them, never,” she said.
We’re told Marquess has five kids under the age of 15.
“He loves them. He had a few taken away because he wouldn’t take care of them. I have his eight-year-old daughter,” added Patricia.
Tabitha Stark is now free on bond. She wasn’t home when FOX 4 stopped by the couple’s apartment. Meantime, Jesse Marquess remains in jail on a $60,000 bond.
“I just pray for the baby and I hope he gets better and finds someone that loves him and cares about him,” said neighbor Brett Franklin, who lives above the couple.
