BUCKHANNON, WV – A 19-year-old resident of Buckhannon has been indicted on charges of child neglect involving his four-month-old baby after a family member provided police with troubling video evidence. Jeremiah Burkhammer, the accused, was arrested and is being held on a $225,000 bond at Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Authorities were alerted to the potential abuse when the baby’s grandmother handed over the video footage to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. She brought the video, recorded in the early hours of February 13, with claims that it showed Burkhammer handling the infant aggressively.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed by the local sheriff’s department, the footage began around 1:45 a.m. and captured multiple instances of Burkhammer’s rough handling of his child. The sheriff’s report highlighted sequences where Burkhammer appeared to mishandle the child by not supporting the head or neck properly, resulting in abrupt movements.
Perhaps most alarming were scenes showing Burkhammer visibly upset and using profanity as he aggressively removed a pillow from beneath the baby. Later instances in the video showed him forcefully placing the baby back down into the crib.
Moreover, the complaint details a further distressing incident occurring about 17 minutes into the video where Burkhammer shouts at the crying child to “take the bottle” before hitting the infant on the chest. He was also seen covering the baby’s mouth, instructing him to “breathe out your nose, not your mouth,” while holding his hand there for approximately 28 seconds.
Such conduct has led to Burkhammer facing severe charges including gross neglect of a child creating a risk of death or serious bodily injury and strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation.
Burkhammer’s preliminary court hearing is scheduled for February 21, where more details are expected to emerge.
This case has sparked concerns in the Buckhannon community and beyond about the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from similar risks. Child welfare advocates emphasize the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting of abuse or neglect.
In additions to legal proceedings, community leaders and child protection agencies are pushing for more educational programs to help prevent future incidents of child neglect and abuse. These programs aim to offer resources and support to struggling parents and guardians.
As the case progresses, it continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the critical roles that both the community and law enforcement play in safeguarding vulnerable children.