Man charged with abuse in Christiansburg after 2 year-old dies

On Friday, Jan. 11, at about 9:15 p.m., Christiansburg Police and Christiansburg Rescue responded to call in reference to child who had fallen and was unresponsive at a residence in the 400 block of Zinc Lane.

Upon arrival, officers found a 2-year-old boy lying unresponsive on the floor. Officers and Rescue members immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After several minutes, a heartbeat was detected and the child was transported via ambulance to LewisGale Hospital Montgomery and later airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The child, whose name is not being released at this time, remained unresponsive throughout the weekend before succumbing to his injuries at 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13.

The police investigation revealed the injuries were not consistent with a fall, as described in the initial report. McKenzie Kyle Hellman, 25, of Christiansburg, has been charged with one count of felony child abuse in violation of Virginia Code Section §18.2-371.1. Hellman, who is not related to the child, was watching the boy at the time.

Hellman is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Jail. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

From NRVNews.com