Teen charged as adult with neglect

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A Vigo County teen faces a criminal charge in adult court in connection with severe injuries to a one-month-old infant.

Jesse Weir appeared in court Monday morning and faces one felony charge of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Authorities say the charges date back to an incident that allegedly happened Dec. 15, 2011.

Investigators say Weir had been caring for a one-month-old infant when the child sustained several serious injuries including rib fractures, cranial fractures and intra-cranial hemorrhaging.

Weir had first appeared in juvenile court before being transferred to adult court.

Authorities have not released details on the infant child’s current condition or other information on the investigation. Weir could not be reached for comment after his hearing.  

Weir's case had first been processed in juvenile courts, but it was waived to adult court. One of the detectives working the case explained the criteria needed to waive a case from juvenile to adult courts.

"The crime had to at least be a Class A or Class B felony if committed by an adult," said Detective Rick Decker. "There had to be at least probable cause established that the suspect committed the act ... The suspect had to be at least 16 years of age at the time the offense was committed."

Weir is being held in the Vigo County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.  The trial in his case is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2013.

News 10 will bring you more information on the case as it becomes available.