Physical Abuse

Babysitter charged with murder

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Victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Picture of Thomas Castellon II in front of his cake on his Birthday

After December 2013 Abuse, woman is charged with federal first-degree murder

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A Fort Campbell woman has been charged with murdering a Clarksville infant who was in her care.

Sheilla Linares is charged with the death of 2-month old Thomas Castellon II. She was served an indictment on Friday, but her warrant remains sealed, according to Stephanie Collins, spokeswoman for the Western District of Kentucky U.S. Attorney’s office.

Linares is charged with federal first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. She is accused of abusing Thomas Jr. on or about Dec. 3, 2013. He died of his injuries four days later.

While her son was in the care of Linares, Lucy Castellon, Thomas’ mother, received a phone call that her son was not responding and had aspirated. She later found out he had brain hemorrhaging and swelling from shaken baby syndrome, according to a previous report.

An autopsy determined the child died from blunt force trauma to the head, and the death was ruled a homicide. Linares admitted to officers that she shook the child at her Fort Campbell home, according to a Clarksville Police report.

Family members were in disbelief when they heard of the injuries. “She was our friend, and I didn’t want to believe it,” Lucy Castellon previously said.  The woman had taken care of their daughter, Aurora, for the previous four years.

In September, the family held a balloon release in honor of what would’ve been Thomas Jr.’s first birthday. At that time, no charges had been filed and the investigation continued.  Lucy Castellon said they have patiently waited on the justice system and knew it was a matter of time, before the case progressed.

Monday  Lucy Castellon said her family is glad an arrest has been made.  “Obviously, it’s a big relief something has been done,” Lucy Castellon said. “They told us she is facing life in prison. It was a relief to know she wasn’t just facing 12-15 years, because nobody’s life can be valued at that. He was our son and would have lived many years. “We have been praying for justice, and we are happy we are getting it.”

A detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Paducah, Kentucky.  Magistrate Judge Lanny King will preside over the case.

8 thoughts on “Babysitter charged with murder”

    1. WELL SAID ALAN!!!!
      You of all people KNOW Alan, I go to bed with an upset stomach many nights, and it’s impossible for me to do this without tears in my eyes sometimes many times a day. No amount of money in this world could be enough for me to do this job, and I can’t blame anyone for not making this their landing page. Although this will NOT go away by itself, and this out-of-control Violence in Our Country will not cure itself.
      These PETTY EXCUSES LIKE RACIAL PROBLEMS ARE BS, RACISM WAS ADDRESSED BY PRESIDENT ABE LINCOLN, AND THE KENNEDY’S IN THE EARLY ’60’S. NO ONE OWES ANY RACE ANYTHING, BUT WE CATER TO PEOPLE THAT DO NOT WANT TO WORK!!!! Our GOD and The Bible says YOU DON’T WORK, YOU DON’T EAT!!!!

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      1. Entitlement is a huge problem. It is given where it is not needed and withheld from abused children who do! Preaching to the choir, Robert, but it needs done. Venting is acceptable, and I don’t mind! ever heard of SPTSD? Secondary Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? I is common among caregivers, and mental health professionals and those who deal with victims. Just saying self care is critical to enduring in the trade! Take care and God bless you!

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      2. Venting…. Why Alan, you don’t think I would vent do you???? I haven’t begun to vent, but it’s time to start. I’ve been rereading Alan Fountain’s “resources” , and of course the HB 771 in Georgia, and it is time to vent and LIGHT SOME PEOPLE UP!!!!

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