UPDATE: Baby sitter convicted of child abuse; sentenced to life in prison

NEWKIRK — On Nov. 26, Sheppard appeared in Kay County District Court and entered a no contest plea to the charge and was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Lee Turner, with all but 25 years suspended. She is also ordered to complete any mental health treatment upon release from DOC and to NEVER have any unsupervised contact with any minor child. Judge Turner also ordered that she NEVER provide babysitting services upon release from prison and NEVER be employed at ANY child care facility. A restitution claim will be submitted after review by the district attorney’s office. Sheppard was committed to the county jail to await transport to DOC.

Court date set for baby sitter accused of child abuse

NEWKIRK — An initial appearance is scheduled in Kay County District Court for Holly Marie Sheppard, 26, Ponca City.

Ponca City police report that Sheppard was babysitting a two-month old child that ended up in the hospital with a severe head injury that required surgery.

Police report that on July 14, officers responded to Alliance Health after an ambulance transported the child from Sheppard’s home to the hospital with skull fractures and suffering from seizures.

Dr. Joseph Carter reportedly told police that Sheppard called 911 and that the child was crying upon arrival at the hospital. Carter said the child’s eyes were deviated and that the child was suffering from scattered skull fractures. The child was taken to CT imaging.

Carter reportedly told police that the images showed a clear sign of internal bleeding on the right side of the brain.

Carter reported that a medical chopper was summoned to take the child to Oklahoma City and medicine given to shut the brain down and a breathing tube inserted.

Carter told police that the child developed bruising while at Alliance Health which suggests the bleeding is new and that he believes something traumatically hit the child’s head.

Police questioned Sheppard and her family.

Her husband reportedly said he was at work and that he is not involved in the care of the children.

Police report that Sheppard changed her story three times and at first claimed that she placed the child in crib and left the room. She claimed that the child was asleep for 10 minutes when she heard a scream. Sheppard claimed that she went into the room, and found the child having seizure like symptoms and called 911.

Police report that Sheppard changed her story and claimed she tripped over a toy and dropped the child. (see image below)

The baby’s mom reportedly told police that she just started using Sheppard as a babysitter on July 11. She reportedly said that she went on Facebook seeking a nanny and that three people gave references for Sheppard.

On July 15, Department of Human Services Child Welfare Supervisor Roberta Getman reportedly went to OU Children’s Hospital where the child underwent surgery.

Dr. Mary Ellen Stocker, Assistant Professor Child Abuse Pediatrician at OU, reportedly told Getman that the baby was on life support, receiving medicine for seizures, light sedation, and underwent a blood transfusion with another likely. 

Stocker reportedly said the baby has possibly two skull fractures and that doctors removed a flap of skull to relieve pressure. Stocker reportedly said that early thoughts lead medical professionals to believe that the cause of the injuries is abuse.

Sheppard is being held in the county jail on $500,000 bond. If released she is ordered to have no contact with minor children.