Unspeakable cruelty of parents who left their disabled daughter to die
- WARNING: Graphic content below
The parents of a girl with special needs were found guilty of murder after leaving her in feces-covered squalor in their South Carolina home.
David and Bobbie Jo Barnard, along with their 21-year-old son Edward Vincent Baynard, were convicted Thursday of murder, child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child in the death of their daughter, Heather Baynard, 15, who suffered from cerebral palsy.
The parents were sentenced to life in prison, while the son was sentenced to 60 years.
Heather passed away on April 11, 2022 at Spartanburg Medical Center after being admitted unconscious. According to 7th Circuit U.S. Attorney Barry J. Barnette, the girl was in critical condition and had cold, gray and decomposed skin.
Heather died in hospital after being left in critical condition, with cold, gray and disintegrated skin
David and Bobbie Jo Barnard, along with their 21-year-old son Edward Vincent Baynard, were convicted of murder, child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child in the death of their Heather Baynard
Edward, Heather’s personal care assistant for 18 months, was employed at Axcess Home Care. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler revealed that Heather’s health problems required daily medical attention, which had likely been neglected for “many, many months.”
According to Barnette, Heather’s exposure to urine and feces in the Gaffney home severely damaged her skin and tissues.
A hospital witness described her legs as resembling raw meat. She died that night, succumbing to her injuries and infections.
On April 12, 2022, officers conducted a search of Baynard’s home, finding more than 40 animals throughout the home.
One of the animals was found dead, while two puppies had to be euthanized due to their declining health.
‘At home the dogs contributed to the appalling conditions. Lots of feces in the house, both from cats and dogs; urine, which caused a massive ammonia-like odor,” Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said Fox 8.
He called it one of the worst cases of neglect his office had ever seen in the county.
Officers conducted a search of the Baynard’s home, where they found more than 40 animals roaming around the house
‘At home the dogs contributed to the appalling conditions. Lots of feces in the house, both from cats and dogs; urine, which caused a tremendous ammonia-like odor,” the local sheriff said
When the Baynards took their daughter to the hospital that evening, they showed no emotion or urgency. WYFF News 4 reported.
After leaving Heather with the medical staff, David sat in the waiting room, seemingly unconcerned about his daughter, looking through his phone.
According to Heather obituaryshe had ‘defied all expectations since her birth, she deeply touched everyone who crossed her path.’
She also “adored her father and brother, as well as her ‘people,’ meaning anyone who took the time to talk to her,” the obituary said.