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MAGNA — Prosecutors say a Magna mother's recklessness with her 8-month-old son will likely result in a lifelong disability for the boy.
Megan Checketts, 33, was charged Friday in 3rd District Court with aggravated child abuse, a third-degree felony.
"This charge stems from the statement of detectives, medical personnel, and witnesses. (Her) 8-month-old (son) was brought to the hospital emergency room due to being unconscious and difficulty breathing. Doctors found multiple brain bleeds and hemorrhaging behind his eyes," according to charging documents.
Checketts said the infant fell off the bed, but doctors told police that the boy's injuries "are consistent with abusive head trauma and cannot be explained by accidental injury or other medical diagnosis," the charges state. "(His) injuries are not consistent with a fall from the bed."
Since police were originally called to investigate nearly a year ago, on March 24, 2024, after the boy was taken to a local hospital "with life-threatening conditions," the charges note that the boy's "hospital course has been marked by clinical decline related to the evolution of significant brain injury associated with this injury," and that "these injuries are likely to result in lifelong disability."
As Unified police investigated the case, they learned from others that Checketts has "been verbally and physically abusive toward her husband and other child," according to charging documents. One witness told detectives Checketts and another family member are "so violent with each other" and that the other family member "constantly tells her that Checketts is violent."
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
