Police: Murder Suspect Changed His Story

By Amy Hunter
Reporter / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: August 5, 2008

BY AMY HUNTER
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
The Marion, Va., man charged Friday with murder in the death of his infant daughter originally claimed the child fell from a deck before police say he changed his story several days later and confessed, said Marion police Lt. Darrell Hayden.

Travis Ray Hester, 26, was alone while caring for 11-month-old Belle LeAnn Hester on July 26 when he “lost his temper” and inflicted head injuries to the infant, Hayden said. She died the next day as the result of a skull fracture, Hayden said.

After conducting an autopsy, the medical examiner in Roanoke contacted the Marion police on July 27 and said the infant’s injuries did not seem consistent with a fall from a deck, Hayden said.

The department began investigating, Hayden said, but waited until after the funeral before questioning the parents on Aug. 1.

“We interviewed him here Friday and the story changed enough to where there was a murder one charge made,” Hayden said. “He confessed to causing the injuries.”

Marion Police Chief Michael Roberts would not discuss the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, except to say, “It’s hard to call it an accident. I can’t talk about his intent but I don’t think he intended. He just lost his temper.”

The incident occurred at Hester’s father’s house on the 700 block of Hill Street, where Hester, his wife and their only child were living, according to Hayden.

Both Hester’s father and wife were at work when the baby was injured, Hayden said.

It is not known what time the baby was injured, but Hayden said it occurred some time before the child’s mother got home from work around 10 p.m.

The couple took their daughter to Smyth County Community Hospital, and she was later flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Hayden said.

“The mother was completely distraught,” he said.

Hayden said Hester does not have a criminal background or a reported history of abuse or neglect. However, he said several witnesses have said Hester “had an anger problem.”

“It’s a tragedy for the whole community for something like this to take place,” Hayden said. “It’s real bad.”

Hester is being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon on a charge of first-degree murder. If convicted, Hester could face a sentence of 20 years to life in prison, Hayden said.

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