Lake Charles –
On January 23 Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to call at a local hospital in reference a possible cruelty to a juvenile. Upon deputies’ arrival they were advised by hospital staff that they were currently treating a 2 month old baby boy for a femur fracture to his right leg.
When detectives spoke with a family member of the baby she stated she was awakened that morning at approximately 6:00 a.m. by the baby screaming and crying, at which time she witnessed the child’s father, Terry J. Pellegrin, Jr., 32, Lake Charles, standing next to the crib. When detectives spoke with Pellegrin he stated he doesn’t know what happened but thought the fracture was caused by the baby moving himself in the crib and getting his leg caught in the railings. Both the family member and Pellegrin stated that prior to 12:30 a.m. the baby was moving both his legs and did not appear to have any injuries. Detectives observed both the family member and Pellegrin to have inconsistent stories when trying to explain what occurred that morning.
During the investigation the hospital performed a skeletal survey, which showed the fracture to the baby’s right leg, as well as older injuries to the skull, left leg, and ribs that were beginning to heal. The hospital staff noted that the findings of the survey were compatible with non-accidental trauma.
Pellegrin was arrested the same day and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile. Judge David Ritchie set his bond at $500,000.
The baby was transported to a hospital out of town where he is currently being treated.
The investigation is continuing and there may be more arrests in this case. CPSO Detective Sarah Stubbs is the lead investigator on this case.
On January 25, after further investigation, the mother, Deborah Pellegrin was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile. Judge David Ritchie set her bond at $400,000.