Trial To Start Later This Month For Braggs Woman Charged With Child Abuse

MUSKOGEEE, Okla. (AP) -- A Braggs woman accused of beating her 4-year-old son is set to begin later this month in Muskogee.<br/><br/>Melanie Smith is charged with child abuse, neglect and child endangerment

Wednesday, August 23rd 2006, 8:52 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEEE, Okla. (AP) -- A Braggs woman accused of beating her 4-year-old son is set to begin later this month in Muskogee.

Melanie Smith is charged with child abuse, neglect and child endangerment for allegedly beating the boy, handcuffing him and locking him in a closet.

Authorities say the boy weighed 24 pounds when he was taken into state custody and was covered with bruises. Officials say the boy also had open wounds on the top of his feet, welts on his back and his hair was falling out.

Also charged with abuse in the case is Smith's half-brother -- Roy Smith. Authorities say the Smith's refer to themselves as husband and wife, but Roy Smith has agreed to testify against Melanie Smith.