Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by: A. Smith
Published June 30, 2024 @ 8:33 AM ET
LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia man accused of abusing his newborn twin children has been taken into custody following a public plea from authorities, police said Thursday.
Freddie Moore, 27, was arrested in Valdosta after detectives located him at a home in the area, according to the Valdosta Police Department. He is facing charges of aggravated battery and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.
The charges stem from a case that began after officers responded to South Georgia Medical Center following a 911 call about possible child abuse. Hospital staff told police that twin infants, just three weeks old, were being treated for suspicious injuries.
One of the babies was critically injured, suffering from dehydration, malnourishment and multiple broken bones, including a fractured skull, according to a Valdosta Police press release. That child was later flown to a pediatric hospital in Florida for specialized care and remains in stable but critical condition. The other twin had superficial injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
Investigators said the twins’ mother, Makayla June Bradley, 23, was arrested on June 18 on two counts of first-degree cruelty to children. She was booked into the Lowndes County Jail.
Police said the abuse came to light after concerned relatives noticed that one of the infants didn’t look or behave normally. The family took Bradley and the babies to a pediatrician, who quickly determined the need for emergency medical treatment and called for an ambulance.
Detectives believe the injuries occurred over an extended period, noting that some wounds showed signs of healing.
Authorities had previously issued warrants for Moore and asked for the public’s help in locating him. Police said they had tried multiple times to contact him, but he refused to cooperate with the investigation.
“The injuries that these poor babies had were horrific,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “The fact that someone could harm small children in this manner is unimaginable. We hope that citizens will help us find this abuser, so he can be held accountable for his actions.”
Moore was booked into the Lowndes County Jail following his arrest. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is assisting in the investigation.