There is nothing more magical…more beautiful…than child birth.
Just ask 37-year-old Chrystal Hassell, who is being held in Marion County Jail after telling investigators she gave birth to a child in a motel room bathtub during a 24-hour crack binge. The incident occurred last Friday night when Hassell, who was 7 months pregnant, said she checked into the Vacation Host Inn along with her boyfriend and her 11-month-old child. Hassell told investigators she went into labor after smoking crack for an entire day.
According to Hassell, her boyfriend, Vincent Terry had left the room with the 11-month-old to run an errand, when the birth took place. According the police report, after giving birth alone, she cut the cord with her teeth. Hassell also told investigators that at one point, the baby stopped breathing, but rather than call 911, she reportedly called her boyfriend and told him to hurry back to the motel. As Terry headed back to the motel, he was pulled over by Marion County deputies and apprehended after they learned he was wanted for attempted murder in Colorado. Hassell only called 911 when she realized Terry wasn’t coming. She told investigators she gave the baby breaths for about an hour to keep him alive.
“She should have called 911 earlier — she should have reached out to medical professionals, she didn’t do that, and that’s why she’s in jail,” a police spokesperson said.
The result: Hassell was charged with child neglect and is currently residing at the Marion County Jail along with her boyfriend. She is being held on $5,000 bond while Terry awaits extradition to Colorado
The newborn was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, and listed in critical condition. The 11-month-old boy was placed in foster care.
It’s the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life
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