FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Couple Arrested in Connection With Toddler Being Critically Injured

Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:

On Friday, October 1st, deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the local hospital in response to a report of a critically injured toddler in suspicious circumstances. The child, aged 2, was subsequently flown to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. The investigation quickly became focused on a married couple who were babysitting the child. A number of witnesses were interviewed, and physical evidence was collected during the execution of a search warrant at the apartment where detectives believe the crimes occurred. Detectives subsequently discovered surveillance video from a local business which corroborated initial evidence. The babysitters who’ve been arrested, and who were acquaintances of the child’s family, are identified as Anthony Owenby, age 27, of 1386 US Highway 41, Apartment B4, Calhoun, Georgia and his wife Jacalyn Deanna Owenby, age 24, of the same address. Anthony Owenby has been charged with Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Cruelty to Children (1st Degree). Jacalyn Owenby has been charged with Cruelty to Children (1st Degree) and Giving False Statements. Investigating detectives have reason to believe drugs played a role in this incident. Both defendants are being held in jail pending judicial proceedings. The child is now reported to be in stable condition.

Photos: (left to right) Detectives arrive at scene; Jacalyn Owenby; Anthony Owenby