In a deeply troubling incident, 21-year-old Patricia Hullenbaugh from Pennsylvania has been charged with criminal homicide and strangulation in connection with the death of her 9-month-old son, Waylon Long. The Indiana Borough Police Department confirmed her arrest nearly three weeks after the tragic event.
The Grim Discovery
On January 6, authorities responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at Hullenbaugh’s residence in Indiana Borough, Pa. Upon arrival, they discovered Waylon not breathing and without a pulse. CPR efforts managed to revive the baby, who was then rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, on January 11, Waylon passed away.
Shifting Stories and Admission of Guilt
Initial statements from Hullenbaugh indicated she found Waylon “hanging partially outside the crib” during a nap. However, as the investigation unfolded, her accounts reportedly kept changing. A follow-up interview on January 24 allegedly led to a startling confession. Hullenbaugh admitted to placing a blanket over her son’s head “until he stopped crying,” causing him to stop breathing. Instead of seeking immediate help, she purportedly positioned his body to conceal her involvement.
Disturbing Actions to Conceal the Truth
In a chilling revelation, Hullenbaugh confessed to panicking and attempting to cover up her actions by placing the lifeless child between the crib slats. Shockingly, she admitted not alerting the boy’s father until 15 minutes later. Waylon’s father, Kody Long, expressed profound grief, mentioning that his son passed away on the day he would have turned 10 months old.
Legal Ramifications
Patricia Hullenbaugh faces charges not only of homicide and strangulation but also child endangerment and possession of a crime instrument. Online court records indicate that she is being held without bail. As of now, information regarding her legal representation and plea status remains unavailable. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February 8.
This tragic incident sheds light on the profound consequences of domestic actions and the necessity for swift legal intervention in cases of child endangerment.
