An infant was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after deputies found the child unresponsive inside a home on the 1600 block of Mint Court in Prince Frederick on Wednesday, according to sheriff's deputies. Deputies began life-saving measures at the scene before the child was taken to CalvertHealth Medical Center and then transferred to an area trauma center. Investigators later identified 35-year-old Branden Pernell Mackall of Prince Frederick as the suspect, and he now faces multiple child abuse and assault charges.
What Deputies Say and the Charges Filed
Deputies were called shortly after 11:30 a.m. on April 29 to the Mint Court home in Prince Frederick, where they found the infant and observed injuries consistent with an apparent assault, according to Daily Voice. Deputies began life-saving efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived, and the child was transported to CalvertHealth Medical Center, then transferred to a regional trauma center with life-threatening injuries. Investigators arrested Mackall, who is charged with first-degree assault, first-degree child abuse for allegedly causing severe physical injury, and second-degree child abuse.
Hospital Role in Emergency Care
CalvertHealth Medical Center, located at 100 Hospital Road in Prince Frederick, serves as Calvert County's emergency department and coordinates transfers to regional trauma centers, according to CalvertHealth. The facility operates as the area's acute-care hospital and handles emergency transports when patients need higher-level trauma services.
Felony Counts Bring Heavy Penalties
Mackall's charges are classified as felonies under Maryland law. First-degree child abuse for causing severe physical injury is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, and second-degree child abuse carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, as outlined in Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-601, according to Justia. First-degree assault is also a felony, with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison under Section 3-202, according to Justia.
Investigation Still Underway
The incident remains under investigation, and detectives have not released additional details as the probe continues, according to Daily Voice.
