An Arkansas teen mom allegedly caused "mixed bleeding" to her infant son's brain and interchangeably referred to him as a "potato" and a "sack of flour," according to police.
Ryanne Elizabeth Foster, 19, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, was arrested Monday and has been charged with second-degree battery in connection with the alleged injuries against her then-6-month-old boy, said police, KAIT-TV reported.
Detectives first started investigating allegations of abuse in July when the infant was admitted to the hospital for severe injuries.
Foster alleged the baby – who she referred to as a "potato"– regularly experienced seizures since birth and recently suffered a head injury after a fall from the couch.
Doctors said the severity of the injuries, which included "mixed bleeding on the right and left brain" and "micro-bruising on the front and back" were typically seen in patients who were in a "major car accident" or those who suffered "physical abuse," according to the affidavit, the outlet reported.
Foster allegedly dodged investigators when they tried to follow up with her.
Police were finally able to get a hold of the baby's father, who said he broke things off with Foster and allegedly expressed the baby "could wind up dead" if left in her care.
He claimed Foster had "more emotional connection to their dog than [the] baby," the affidavit read.
During a court appearance Wednesday, when a judge asked Foster if she had any more children, she replied, "I have a dog," according to the station.
She remains held on $50,000 bond. It's unclear if she entered a plea.
Foster is due back in court December.
