Broken Arrow Woman Charged In Toddler's Death

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- Wagoner County prosecutors have charged a Broken Arrow woman with first degree murder in the death of a toddler, her stepson.  Shiloh Brafford claims the child slipped and hit his head.   But, the child's mother says the story has changed too many times and she feels Shiloh Brafford is responsible for her son's death.

"Every single day for the last year, this is all that we have been fighting for. We think about it and talk about it," said Amber Brafford.

On July 18, 2008, Amber Brafford received a call that her 15-month-old son, Davis Brafford, was being taken to the hospital.

"The story that she gave the doctor in the hospital is that he slipped, fell, hit his head, and then she proceeded to bounce him on the bed later on," said Rachel Gusman, Amber Brafford's attorney.

But, Amber Brafford says Shiloh Brafford's story was inconsistent and she doesn't think what happened to Davis was an accident.

"I don't believe any of the stories that she said happened," said Amber Brafford.

A few days after being taken to the hospital, 15-month-old Davis died.

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner ruled the child died from blunt head trauma.   Now, Amber Brafford is suing Shiloh Brafford in civil court.

"Bouncing him on the bed, giving no description to the 911dispatch of his condition at the time we believe was bizarre behavior with a nurse with ICU training which is what she had had," said Rachel Gusman, Amber Brafford's attorney.

Broken Arrow Police investigated the case and turned the evidence over to the Wagoner County District Attorney who, at first, declined to file charges.  But, Amber Brafford requested a further investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

After receiving additional evidence from the state crime lab, the Wagoner County District Attorney's Office moved forward with charges against Shiloh Brafford.

"I don't think there is any right way for her to be punished. I mean there is nothing that they could do that would help me get my son back," said Amber Brafford.

Shiloh Brafford has pleaded not guilty and her attorney says the facts of the case will prove that when she has her day in court.  She is being held in the Wagoner County Jail on a $100,000 bond.