Parents charged with child abuse after medical staff say their 3-month-old had broken ribs, clavicle

FARGO (KFGO) — A Fargo couple are now charged with felony child abuse after police investigated them for suspected child neglect last summer.

A Fargo Police report says Wyatt Lesmann and Vanessa Metzger-Prebil brought their 3-month-old girl to the hospital last May for reported fussiness and changes in mood and behavior. Medical staff found the child had broken ribs and clavicle. They also noted the baby was dehydrated. The parents said the baby may have been injured at daycare. Investigators found no signs of abuse at the daycare.

Last July, Fargo Police say they were notified of another child abuse investigation where the baby had injuries on her face. The baby was removed from the home. During an interview, Lesmann admitted to police he had squeezed the baby until he heard popping.

Metzger-Prebil admitted she knew about Lesmann’s abuse and did not tell law enforcement.

Both parents are in the Cass County Jail.