Va. woman charged with abusing 5-month-old girl

WASHINGTON – A Prince William County woman has been charged with felony child abuse and aggravated malicious wounding for trying to forcibly put an infant to sleep.

Prince William County police say a 5-month-old girl was brought to a hospital Friday afternoon by her family members after becoming unresponsive. She was found to have internal injuries consistent with abuse.

Earlier that morning, police say 20-year-old Monique Diane Coachman was trying to put the infant to sleep when she began to cry. Coachman, a family member, started tightly squeezing the baby and forced the infant back into the bed.

The infant is in critical condition is still at an area hospital.

Police have not disclosed the relationship between Coachman and the infant beyond that they are family members.

Coachman is being held without bond.

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