Grand Jury to Hear First Child Abuse Case of 2015

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 CHARLOTTE, NC — We’re waiting on autopsy results after a seven-month-old in Newton died from what doctors are describing as horrific trauma and abuse.  The case will go to a Catawba County Grand Jury on Monday.

Tyler Linebarger is the boyfriend of the baby’s mother.  He’s charged with murdering Chekeem Hickman, Junior.  Police say the mother, Amber Estep, left her son with Linebarger while she went to work on New Year’s Eve.  Linebarger called 911 to say the baby wasn’t breathing and was blue.

Doctors say the infant had internal injuries as well as other injuries in various stages of healing.  Linebarger is now being held without bond at the Catawba County Detention Center.

A second child that lives in the apartment is staying with family members.