Wilson woman charged with attempted murder after child in her care hospitalized with severe burns, injuries all over body

33-year-old Bracey Renee Byrd is charged with attempted murder, felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury and malicious castration, among other charges.

In July, a child was brought into the Wilson Medical Center Emergency Department with third-degree burns.

During a medical examination, hospital staff determined the child's burns were not self-inflicted.

The medical staff reported the suspected abuse to the county's department of social services, and as a result, the sheriff's office launched an investigation.

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office said the child also had injuries to the head, face, arms, legs, back and genitals. Some of those injuries were already in the healing process and had been on the child’s body for quite some time.

After learning of this horrific case, WRAL News spoke with Safechild, an organization that fights child abuse. Executive director Cristin DeRonja shared why it is the adult's responsibility to report suspicion of neglect or abuse.

“It is really important for adults to pay attention to children in their community,” said DeRonja. “It is not up to us to decide if a child is being abused or neglected, it is our legal responsibility to reach out to those whose responsibility it is to determine whether or not a child’s welfare is at risk.”

Looking at a child’s behavior, appearance and personality could help determine if the child needs help.

DeRonja said it is everyone's responsibility to watch out for our children.

"The support comes in many different ways," said DeRonja. "The support comes through our local child welfare, it comes through law enforcement, medical providers, our school systems."

Byrd is being held at the Wilson County Detention Center under a $2 million secured bond.

WRAL News has reached out to several people who know Byrd for comment.