Muncie couple charged in abuse of five-week-old son - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Muncie - A Muncie couple were charged Wednesday following the alleged abuse of their five-week-old infant son.

Michael R. Wihebrink, 26, is charged with battery resulting in serious bodily injury to an infant and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. Both charges are Class B felonies.

Crystal L. Saunders, 19, is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a Class B felony, and obstruction of justice, a Class D felony.

Both are being held without bond in the Delaware County jail pending initial hearings on November 1, 2010.

Wihebrink and Saunders were arrested last week after police learned of the severe injuries sustained by their son.

In the five short weeks since his birth, police say that Brayden Wihebrink has been subjected to physical abuse beyond belief at the hands of his parents.

"There were six major fractures. Two breaks on his left leg, his arms and clavicle," said Sgt. Jim Gibson, Muncie Police.

Doctors say that the child also suffered previous injuries to the ribs and a broken wrist that were healing. He also suffered a brain injury perhaps by someone covering his mouth and preventing him from breathing. Police became involved after the child's parents took the baby to Riley Hospital where doctors called Child Protective Services. Both were then arrested last Thursday.

Wihebrink allegedly told police during questioning that he had an anger problem. He also said that he may have broken the baby's arm on Sunday but couldn't remember if he caused the other injuries.

"He's a loud-mouth. Has a bad temper. Stayed drunk and high all the time. He's a piece of low-life trash," said Ellis Stinson, a family acquaintance.

The baby lives with her mother and her family who told Saunders to get medical help for the child after his arm was broken. Family members say they didn't know of the abuse.

"I didn't think either one of them would do nothin' like that," said Henry Tucker, family member.

Police say that Saunders had tried to cover for Wihebrink but finally admitted witnessing the abuse.

"We'd have been investigating a homicide before long, I believe," said Sgt. Gibson.