Couple Searched ‘Dent’ Injuries Before Taking Infant to Hospital with Brain Bleed: Cops

A Florida couple is behind bars after an infant in their care was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery to repair severe skull fractures and brain bleeding. The child, who has not been identified, is expected to survive but will face long-term medical challenges following the traumatic injuries. Authorities have charged 22-year-old Shona M. Hochsprung and 24-year-old Alexander M. Ransom with child neglect resulting in great bodily harm.

Emergency Surgery and Critical Condition

On March 24, the infant was admitted to Golisano’s Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers after being found in a life-threatening condition. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the child suffered multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding, and even a stroke. The baby was immediately rushed into emergency surgery, with hospital staff describing the child’s condition as “extremely critical.” Detectives were called to the hospital by medical personnel who raised concerns over the child’s injuries. Authorities were informed that the baby’s condition was dire, and the surgery was considered a life-saving measure. Though the surgery was successful, doctors have warned that the child will face significant medical challenges throughout their life due to the injuries sustained.

Inconsistent Explanations from the Couple

Following the discovery of the child’s injuries, both Hochsprung and Ransom were questioned by investigators. According to the sheriff’s office, their explanations for how the injuries occurred were inconsistent and did not align with the severity of the child’s condition. Hochsprung reportedly claimed that she had accidentally rolled over onto the baby while sleeping but had woken up immediately upon hearing the child cry. However, hospital staff found this explanation implausible, given the severity of the injuries. Despite their conflicting accounts, both defendants agreed on one key point: they were the only two individuals present when the child’s injuries occurred. This crucial detail led investigators to focus their efforts on the couple’s actions before the child was hospitalized.

Suspicious Internet Searches and Delayed Medical Attention

Further investigation revealed that Ransom had conducted suspicious internet searches the day before the child was taken to the hospital. According to authorities, Ransom searched for phrases such as “do babies snore?” and “dent in baby forehead” around 5 p.m. on March 23—hours before seeking medical help for the infant. This evidence suggests that Ransom was aware of the baby’s injuries but delayed seeking treatment until the next day.

Detention and Legal Action

Both Hochsprung and Ransom are currently being held without bond at the Charlotte County Jail. The authorities have stated that the couple will be held accountable for the injuries sustained by the child, and further questions remain about the circumstances leading to the child’s harm. Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his sorrow for the infant’s condition, offering prayers for the child’s recovery and vowing justice for the neglectful individuals responsible for the injuries.