Parents in Virginia indicted after blaming cat’s baby for death

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A couple in Virginia have been charged with child abuse after their 10-day-old daughter died from head injuries the father allegedly tried to attribute to the family cat.

Matthew and Elizabeth Sebolka were arrested Monday in Richmond for allegedly abusing their newborn daughter, Raven, at home last month.

Each parent is charged with child abuse and neglect, but police have already said additional charges are pending.

Police were alerted to the case after being called to VCU Medical Center on July 30 following reports that an infant was brought in with serious injuries.

The child had bruises on his head, a fractured skull and signs of potential suffocation, police sources told WTVR.

Officers questioned the child’s father, who told them he left his daughter in his car seat when he went to the bathroom. He allegedly claimed that the family’s cat was sitting on the baby’s neck when he returned, according to police sources.

Matthew told police he alerted the child’s mother and reportedly noticed the baby had a rash and swollen eyes. She then reportedly took her daughter to the local hospital by bus.

Elizabeth and Matthew Lee Sebolka claimed the couple’s cat was sitting on the baby’s neck. Richmond City Sheriff’s Office

Raven died in hospital on August 10 and the medical examiner declared her death a homicide.

In an online obituary for Raven, her grandparents said: The family is asking that instead of flowers or donations, you keep your kids a little longer, rock them a little more, read them another story, and look forward to every happy smile.

The Sebolkas were held at Richmond Jail a few hours apart on Monday evening.

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