Taylor Flint, a 25-year-old West Virginia woman, has been sentenced to prison for the death of an 11-day-old baby boy who suffered a fractured skull while in her care last October.
Background
The infant died on Oct. 25, 2025, in Mason County, West Virginia, after Flint—who was watching the newborn while his mother recovered in the hospital following childbirth—brought her own 3-year-old daughter to care for the baby that day. Court documents state Flint knew her daughter had a history of aggressive behavior and anger issues.
That morning, Flint discovered the baby unresponsive in his bassinet. She told police she had gotten up during the night to use the bathroom and found the infant not breathing when she returned. According to investigators, Flint's 3-year-old was in the same bedroom at the time, "hiding in a corner."
The Investigation
First responders transported the newborn to a hospital, where medical staff determined he was suffering from "multiple traumatic injuries" and in "critical medical distress." Examination revealed injuries to the baby's face, head, and hands, including a fractured skull and what prosecutors described as "severe intra-cranial injuries."
The infant went into cardiac arrest at the facility. Resuscitative efforts were attempted but unsuccessful. At 4:49 a.m., medical personnel pronounced the baby dead.
Police said Flint provided a statement to investigators indicating her daughter had beaten the newborn with a jar of petroleum jelly. According to the complaint, Flint told authorities she had previously observed her daughter hit, scratch, and bite the infant as a way to seek attention for herself. She stated she "has to be cautious" when her daughter was around the baby because of the child's anger and what she described as "undiagnosed neurological disorders."
The Charges
Flint pleaded guilty on July 14, 2026, to one count of child neglect resulting in death. Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Taylor Flint announced the plea change. On Monday, Circuit Court Judge ordered her sentenced to three to 15 years in the West Virginia Division of Corrections, followed by 20 years of supervised probation upon release.
Flint was also ordered to be placed on a statewide child abuse and neglect registry. Her 3-year-old daughter was not charged in connection with the infant's death.
Key Takeaways
- The 11-day-old victim died on Oct. 25, 2025, after suffering a fractured skull and severe head injuries while under Flint's supervision
- Taylor Flint admitted to police that she knew her daughter had behavioral issues before bringing the child to care for the newborn
- Flint claimed in a police statement that her daughter caused the fatal injuries using a jar of petroleum jelly
- The infant's mother was hospitalized at the time, recovering from giving birth
- Flint pleaded guilty to child neglect resulting in death and received 3-15 years incarceration plus 20 years probation
What's Next
Flint will begin serving her sentence immediately. Probation officials will monitor her for two decades following her release from prison. The child's mother, who was hospitalized during the incident, has not been implicated in the investigation.
No further charges have been filed in connection with the infant's death.