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Baby was near death when she got to hospital, doctor testifies Date published: 5/4/2006
By KEITH EPPS Danitta Futrell's 2-month-old daughter was within days of dying from malnutrition when she was brought to a Richmond hospital in February, a doctor testified yesterday. Dr. Robin Foster, head of pediatrics at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, said the baby was suffering from "one of the most severe cases of malnutrition that I've ever seen." The baby spent 54 days in the hospital, but is now in foster care and doing much better, according to testimony in Stafford Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court yesterday. Judge Julian W. Johnson sent charges of felony child endangerment and felony child neglect against Futrell to a Stafford grand jury following the preliminary hearing. The grand jury will consider the case June 5. Karen Delano, a county social worker, said she went to the Futrell residence Feb. 10 after her office received an anonymous call expressing concern about Futrell's children. What she found was "appalling," Delano said. The baby was clearly in distress and in need of immediate medical attention. Delano took the baby to Mary Washington Hospital, and the child was later flown to Richmond. Delano said that when she asked Futrell for formula for the baby, Futrell told her she had just run out. Futrell, 36, had eight other children 10 years old and younger living in the unheated trailer in North Stafford, police said. All have been put in foster care. Delano said Futrell told her she gave birth to the child at home in November. She said she was unable to get the child to take breast milk or formula, according to Delano. Foster said the baby weighed about 4 pounds and had a body temperature of 87 degrees when she got to MCV. The child was eventually able to eat and gain weight normally, Foster said. Futrell, who is being represented by attorney George Marzloff, continues to be held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. To reach KEITH EPPS:
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