TBI agents arrested two Jackson County residents Tuesday on child abuse charges that resulted in the death of a 14-month-old girl.
The mother of the toddler, 26-year-old Tessa Thomas, and a friend, 33-year-old Zach Dale, were taken into custody. Thomas faces one count of Aggravated Child Neglect. Dale faces one count one count of Aggravated Child Abuse, one count of Aggravated Child Neglect, and one count of Felony Murder.
The investigation began on December 11, 2019, when the 14-month-old girl was transferred from a Jackson County home to a Nashville hospital. The toddler had suffered multiple injuries. The child died three days later.
Dale is being held without bond. Thomas is in the Jackson County Jail under $100,000 bond.
