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The parents of a special needs girl were convicted of murder after leaving her to die in feces-covered squalor in their South Carolina home.
David and Bobbie Jo Barnard, along with their son Edward Vincent Baynard, 21, were found guilty Thursday of murder, felony child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child in the death of their daughter, Heather Baynard, 15. , who suffered from cerebral palsy.
The parents were sentenced to life in prison, while the son was sentenced to 60 years.
Heather passed away at Spartanburg Medical Center on April 11, 2022, after she was brought in unconscious. The girl was in critical condition and had cold, gray and disintegrated skin, according to Seventh Circuit Attorney Barry J. Barnette.
Heather died in hospital after being taken in critical condition, with cold, gray and disintegrated skin.
David and Bobbie Jo Barnard, along with their 21-year-old son Edward Vincent Baynard, were found guilty of murder, felony child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child in the death of their Heather Baynard.
Edward, Heather’s personal care assistant for 18 months, was employed by Axcess Home Care. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler revealed that Heather’s health conditions required daily medical attention, which had likely been neglected “for many, many months.”
According to Barnette, Heather’s exposure to urine and feces in the Gaffney home had severely damaged her skin and tissues.
A hospital witness described his legs as looking like raw meat. He died that night, succumbing to his injuries and infections.
On April 12, 2022, officers conducted a search of Baynard’s home, where they found more than 40 animals roaming the home.
One of the animals was found dead, while two cubs had to be euthanized due to their deteriorating health.
‘In the house, the dogs contributed to the deplorable conditions. Lots of feces in the home, both from cats and dogs; urine, which created a huge ammonia-like odor,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller. fox 8.
He called it one of the worst cases of negligence his office has seen in the county.
Officers conducted a search of Baynard’s home, where they found more than 40 animals roaming the home.
‘In the house, the dogs contributed to the deplorable conditions. Lots of feces in the home, both from cats and dogs; urine, which created a huge ammonia-like odor,” the local sheriff said.
When the Baynards took their daughter to the hospital that night, they showed no emotion or urgency, WYFF 4 News reported.
David, after dropping Heather off with the medical staff, sat in the waiting room, seemingly unconcerned about his daughter and staring at his phone.
According to Heather obituaryhad been “defying the odds since birth, he deeply touched all who crossed his path.”
She also “adored her dad and brother, as well as her ‘people,’ meaning anyone who took the time to talk to her,” the obituary said.