Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Forshunder Ward (Grandmother)
DOB: 01/12/1966

Qadayshia Ward (Mother - Arrested)
DOB: 12/16/2001
Charge: One count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disfigurement

The victim is a five weeks old male. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit arrested a juvenile for one count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disfigurement.

When:
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

The suspect was arrested on Friday, March 22, 2019. 

Where:
The incident occurred at a private residence in Largo.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit arrested a juvenile for one count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disfigurement.

Detectives began their investigation at approximately 1:00 a.m. on March 21, 2019, after being notified of a 5-week-old baby with a skull fracture and brain bleed, being admitted to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital located at 501 6^th Avenue South in St. Petersburg, in the evening of March 20, 2019.

Detectives were informed that the baby was at home with his mother, 17-year-old Qadayshia Ward and his twin brother, when the incident occurred. The twin brother did not sustain any injuries.

Through the investigation, detectives learned that the baby’s grandmother, 53-year-old Forshunder Ward, left for work at approximately 6:20 a.m. on March 20, 2019, and left Qadayshia at home with her twin sons. Forshunder checked on Qadayshia and the boys throughout the day and was informed there were no issues.

When Forshunder returned home at approximately 4:00 p.m., she attempted to feed one of the boys and observed him to be exhibiting signs of discomfort and that he was not eating. Forshunder then observed the baby to be lethargic, not acting normally, and that his head was misshapen. Forshunder advised she then transported the baby to the hospital to have him evaluated.

When detectives spoke with Qadayshia, she advised she was the only person home with her twin infants during the day on March 20, 2019. Qadayshia provided detectives several versions of what happened to the baby, which did not appear consistent with the injuries.

Detectives were later informed by medical staff that the infant’s injuries could have only come from intentional abuse, and were not accidental. The injuries consisted of a fractured skull, a brain hemorrhage, and possible brain damage.

Detectives say the injured infant remains in the hospital for treatment and the twin infant also remains in the hospital until he is released into foster care.

On Friday, March 22, 2019, detectives interviewed Qadayshia at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. During the interview, Qadayshia admitted to intentionally throwing the baby on the floor out of frustration.

Detectives arrested Qadayshia and she was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Qadayshia was charged with one count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disfigurement.

The investigation continues.

Booking photo of Ward