Two Missouri women have been charged in the death of a 5-year-old child found dead in their home after a younger brother told a school resource officer about seeing the girl unconscious and unresponsive.
The officer contacted the Waynesville Police Department, and officers found the child dead, according to the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office.
Angela West, 39, and Shamira Buford, 36, have been charged with 2nd degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and child abuse.
WMIZ reported that an officer found “significant” marks on the girl’s wrist, ankles, and neck, and a sock containing blood near the body. Buford reportedly told investigators that the sock was put in the girl’s mouth because she cried at night and kept the other children awake.
Officers spoke with the other children, and one of them told them that Buford and West tied the girl up at night.
West reportedly told police that “tying her up was a last resort” to keep her from stealing food. West also said she and Buford taught the other children how to do it.
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Investigators did not say how many children were living in the home or what the relationships were of the children to the adults or the adults to each other.
The pair are being held on a no bond warrant.
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[Featured image: Angela West, left, and Shamira Buford/Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office]
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