LEWIS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Lewis County man faces multiple charges of severe child abuse and neglect following a harrowing investigation into injuries sustained by his four-month-old son. Authorities say the infant, identified by his initials DCA, remains in critical condition at Ruby Memorial Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, with life-threatening injuries.
Alarming Discovery
Sergeant Z.M. Lopez of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation on December 7, 2024, after responding to a report of suspected child abuse involving the infant. Medical staff informed law enforcement of the child’s extensive injuries, which included:
- Brain bleeds
- Skull fractures
- Bleeding behind the eyes
- Broken ribs
- Multiple bruises
Dr. Amy Gavril, a certified child abuse pediatrician at Ruby Memorial, stated that the injuries were consistent with intentional abuse. The infant’s condition was described as critical, with long-term consequences likely to include permanent brain damage, seizures, and significant impairment if he survives.
Confession by the Father
During a post-Miranda interview, the child’s biological father, Eric Jason Auen Jr., admitted to causing the injuries but claimed he had “blacked out” during the incidents. Auen confessed to blacking out on three occasions while alone with the infant, allegedly inflicting blunt force trauma to the child’s head and abdomen.
Witness statements and medical records revealed a disturbing history of abuse dating back to September 2024, shortly after Auen quit his job. The child’s mother, Alexis Benedum, provided details of past injuries, including:
- Bruises on the child’s ears and face in early September
- A fractured skull and arm from being dropped in October
- Swollen hands and rib injuries in November
Auen reportedly admitted to actions such as dropping the child, rolling over him while co-sleeping, and squeezing the baby’s head.
Hospital Visits and Missed Opportunities
The child had been seen multiple times at local emergency departments over the past few months for injuries ranging from swelling and bruises to fractures. Child Protective Services (CPS) was involved, and appointments were made for the family to visit the Child Safety & Advocacy Clinic. However, the mother allegedly refused the appointments, delaying further investigation into the ongoing abuse.
Charges and Current Status
Auen is being charged with multiple counts of felony child abuse and neglect causing serious bodily injury, as outlined by West Virginia State Code §61-8B-1(9). These charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms.
Dr. Gavril emphasized that the infant’s most recent injuries resulted from blunt force trauma and may cause irreversible damage. The child remains in critical condition, with a prognosis that includes permanent disability and life-altering complications if he survives.
