Child abuse suspect due in court

FAYETTEVILLE -- A woman charged with neglecting and starving a handicapped child is expected to make her first court appearance Tuesday morning. Investigators say 35-year-old Stephanie Williams, of Spring Lake, withheld food and other services from a 12-year-old boy left in her care. The child weighed about 32 pounds when he was found, about 22 pounds below the normal weight for a child in his condition. A medical expert also confirmed he had marks that looked like rodent bites. The boy was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in September and has made significant improvements since then. Williams is charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony child abuse and five counts of juvenile neglect. .

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