A man in Tipton County has been arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse, the same crime for which he previously served 15 years in prison, officials announced. 47-year-old Christopher Blue was taken into custody after deputies responded to reports at a home on Brighton Clopton Road on March 29. According to Action News 5, medical personnel on the scene were attending to an infant who was later transported to LeBonheur for further treatment.
During an investigation, physical injuries and statements made by Blue led to his arrest, though no details regarding the specific nature of the injuries have been released. Held on a $1,000,000 bond, Blue now faces the grim prospect of returning to prison for hurting the baby he was reportedly entrusted to care for. It was noted by the Tipton County Sheriff's Office that the infant was in Blue's care at his residence during the time the injuries occurred, as reported by WREG News Channel 3.
The recent arrest has seemingly echoed Blue's past with the shadow of his former 15-year prison term for an identical offense. A preliminary hearing, held this past May 6, has moved Blue’s case towards a grand jury set for July. “The innocent life of a defenseless, infant child was threatened,” Sheriff Shannon Beasley sharply stated, seemingly twice-punished both by Blue's failure and by the harsh reminder of history’s circular track.
In the wake of these events, the community response has been one of shock and concern. Addressing the gravity of the situation and apparent recidivism, Sheriff Beasley shared on Facebook, "I Thank God for protecting this child's life because Blue failed to do so." The sheriff expressed a hope that Blue would face over 15 additional years in prison, suggesting that the lesson had not been learned from his initial term.
The Sheriff continues to urge anyone with information to come forward. Investigation still ongoing.
