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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Couple Indicted For Murder Of Infant

   A Lawrenceburg couple has been indicted on murder charges in connection with the December, 2012 death of an infant.

   According to a press release issued through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday, Meagan Marie Forsythe, age 22, and Joshua Temple Bagwell, 34, both of 108A Fourth Street, were issued indictments charging them with one count apiece of first degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

   The charges were brought in connection with the December 12, 2012 death of Forsythe’s four-month-old son.

   Deputies were dispatched to the couple’s Brace Road home on December 8, 2012 after it was reported that the baby was not breathing and was unresponsive.

Reports indicated that the child was found by Forsythe’s boyfriend, Bagwell. They report that he sought help at a relative’s home next door where the initial 911 call was placed.

   The baby was transported to Crockett Hospital and was subsequently airlifted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville. He had reportedly suffered “mysterious” bruising and severe brain damage. He remained on life support until his death on December 12. Authorities report that he never regained consciousness.

   According to the press release, “Doctors at Vanderbilt did confirm that the injuries had occurred in the days prior to the infant being taken to the hospital and an autopsy was ordered.”

The autopsy was performed through the State Medical Examiner’s Office. It was concluded that the infant perished as a result of blunt force trauma. The death was subsequently ruled a homicide.

   Detectives examined the couple’s home, collecting several items of evidence. That evidence was turned over to the District Attorney’s Office, then presented to the grand jury. Indictments against Forsythe and Bagwell were returned on Friday, August 30, 2013.

   Deputies served the indictments that same day, arresting Bagwell at the couple’s home and Forsythe at a Lawrenceburg restaurant. Both were transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where each was incarcerated under a bond of $50,000.

   Both Forsythe and Bagwell have been scheduled an initial appearance in Lawrence County Circuit Court on Monday, September 9, 2013.

   Investigators report that they are continuing to work with the Department of Children’s Services due to the fact that Forsythe has another child who was not present the day the infant’s injuries were inflicted. Investigation in the case is currently on-going.

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