Details emerge in heinous child abuse case

HAYDEN — A couple accused of grievously injuring an infant are expected to appear in court again next week.

Nicholas T. Branson, 26, of Hayden, is charged with injury to a child and with forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, both felonies.

Hailey N. Harris, 26, of Hayden, is charged with felony injury to a child.

Deputies with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kootenai Health in December after receiving a report of a seven-week-old infant with “traumatic” injuries.

A doctor who examined the child reportedly described brain injuries “very specific to abuse” and “not seen in accidental head injury.”

The child reportedly sustained at least 14 fractures, including multiple fractures to both legs.

These types of injuries are most commonly caused by “forceful grabbing and twisting” of an infant’s limbs, according to court documents.

Numerous rib fractures appeared to have occurred at different times. The injuries were reportedly consistent with blunt force trauma or squeezing.

Tests reportedly indicated liver damage, likely caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen.

Bruises on the child’s torso were “patterned after a fist or fingers.” Mouth injuries appeared to be caused by someone forcing a bottle into the child’s mouth.

Medical staff also reportedly discovered trauma to the child’s genitals.

A monthlong investigation by KCSO indicates Branson and Harris caused the injuries.

Evidence collected by police reportedly includes a bloody diaper and numerous text messages exchanged between Harris and Branson.

In early December, Harris reportedly sent Branson a string of messages about the infant: “She won’t stop ducking (sic) crying,” “I’m going to freak out,” “I cannot handle it anymore.”

When interviewed by police, Harris allegedly admitted to causing some of the injuries to the child’s limbs, torso and mouth.

She denied shaking or sexually abusing the child, police said.

Branson reportedly told police he caused some of the injuries, as well. He also allegedly admitted to sexually abusing the child.

Police sought warrants for the arrest of both Harris and Branson.

They were taken into custody last Friday.

Both remain in jail on $20,000 bail.

The purpose of bail is to ensure that defendants appear in court.

In Idaho, defendants charged with a crime that is not punishable by death must be admitted to bail or released on their own recognizance.

Idaho law directs a court to consider certain factors when making the decision to set bail or release a defendant, including the nature of the alleged offense, any prior criminal record and the defendant’s ties to the community where the offense occurred.

Prosecutors are expected to request increased bail during a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week.

Felony injury to a child is punishable by up to 10 years behind bars, while forcible sexual penetration carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The Press has received no information on the infant's condition or where the child is being treated.