MANCHESTER, KY (November 13, 2024) - The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is reporting that on Saturday, April 20, 2024, KSP Post 11, London was contacted by the Department of Community Based Services to investigate a suspected physical abuse complaint involving a three-month-old female child.
The child had been taken to the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington with multiple fractures, hemorrhages, and retinal bleeding. Through investigation, the child’s mother was developed as a suspect.
On June 3, 2024, Brianna “Morgan” Burkhart, age 23, of Clay County was indicted by a grand jury on:
- Three counts of Assault 1st degree
- One count of Criminal Abuse 1st degree-Child 12 or under
On September 10, 2024, Detective James Royal was notified the child had succumbed to her injuries and had passed away at the UK Children’s Hospital. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Detective Royal presented his investigation to the Clay County Grand Jury based on the new information.
The grand jury returned a superseding indictment for:
- One count of Murder
Detective Royal is continuing his investigation.
Further action is pending in Clay County Circuit Court.
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