Parents of 7-week-old boy charged with child abuse
Warrants have been issued for the parents of a 7-week-old boy, who West Mifflin Police say fled after a hospital examination showed he had injuries consistent with child abuse.
State police identified the baby as Ambrose Klingensmith and said he may be at special risk of harm or injury. They said he is with his biological parents, Jeannette Funnen, 32, and Daemon Klingensmith, 23, both of West Mifflin.
Police said the pair are traveling in a 2001 Buick Century. The Pennsylvania license plate number is LBD-6681. The FBI is assisting with the search.
The child’s parents were last seen heading south on Washington Road in Peters Township. They could be traveling to Florida, officials said. A 3-year-old child, who state police identified as Makias Palmer, also is with them.
West Mifflin police said they received a report shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that Funner and Klingensmith left UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh with their son after they were informed he had injuries consistent with child abuse, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.
A medical report from the hospital said Ambrose had several bruises on his stomach consistent with finger marks, and the marks were “highly concerning for physical abuse.” The marks were described as a “patterned injury” that “was inflicted” and caused the infant “substantial pain.”
The hospital asked West Mifflin police for help contacting Funner and Klingensmith because further testing was needed on Ambrose to check for internal injuries.
Police tried multiple times to contact the couple, but weren’t successful.
Police were informed by Children and Youth Services that Funner previously had an Emergency Protective Custody Order filed against her. According to the complaint, Funner had two other children removed from her care and custody, has a history of lying about her family history, and has attempted to commit suicide during two pregnancies.
Both parents have been charged with child endangerment and intimidation, retaliation or obstruction of a child abuse case. Anyone with any information can contact West Mifflin police at 412-461-3125.
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