Bremerton Mom Accused of Attempted Murder Sent Harmful Messages to Infant

The Tragic Case of a 27-Year-Old Mother and Her Inflicted Injuries on an 8-Week-Old Infant

A 27-year-old mother has been charged with attempted murder after her 8-week-old infant was taken to the hospital and found to have severe internal injuries, including broken and fractured ribs and legs, as well as a brain bleed. These findings were detailed in court documents that reveal the alarming extent of the child’s trauma.

The incident came to light on August 7 when the infant was brought to the Virginia Mason Franciscan Emergency Room due to projectile vomiting and diarrhea. Multiple scans revealed the severity of the internal injuries, prompting immediate transfer to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital via ambulance.

Medical professionals noted that children's ribs are flexible and not easily fractured. However, the presence of multiple rib fractures is strongly indicative of child abuse. A doctor who examined the infant at Mary Bridge stated in court documents that the injuries sustained by the child’s legs, ribs, and brain occurred “when the extremity is pulled or twisted forcibly. They can also occur when a child is forcibly shaken.” The doctor emphasized that such injuries do not result from routine care or accidental impacts.

Both the mother, Shannon McNease, and the father denied any intentional wrongdoing, insisting they had not abused the child. They attempted to rationalize the injuries, claiming the child was accidentally dropped or that a cat had jumped on her. Despite these claims, medical experts determined the child had suffered “non-accidental trauma.”

During the investigation, detectives discovered that Shannon had engaged in online conversations with a friend where she expressed homicidal intent toward the infant. In one message, she wrote: “Like I legit want to shake her to death or throw her on top of the floor so hard she dies. Only when she’s crying and screaming though, which I guess is almost pretty much all the time at this point. Her cries make me feel like I’m gonna snap and murder.”

In messages to the child’s father, she wrote: “She’s back on her BS again” and “I can’t stand her dude.” According to court documents, she admitted to writing these messages but claimed she did not mean them. She explained that she suffers from depression and anxiety, and has been struggling with post-partum depression, describing herself as being in a constant state of “mental and emotional distress.”

In other messages to the same friend, she wrote: “It’s not like I hate her. I’d die for her dude. But the stress is eating my f*g sanity to bits. Faster and faster every day.” Another message read: “[She] is the realest and truest love of my life. I adore her down to her bones. I really do. I love her so f* much. And when she’s not crying and screaming, she’s blissful as f. She has the most beautiful, gentle, soulful eyes. She’s so f** sweet.”

The child’s grandparents provided insight into Shannon’s struggles, stating that she does not cope well with multiple stressors at once. They mentioned that she needs to focus on one thing at a time to process it effectively.

The infant is now in the care of her grandparents. It remains unclear whether the child’s father will face charges for the injuries. Shannon McNease has been charged with first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault of a child. This case highlights the complex interplay between mental health, parenting stress, and the devastating consequences of child abuse.