9-month-old dies after being thrown across room, Ohio officials say. Mom charged
An Ohio woman is charged with murder after officials say she threw her 9-month-old son across a room.
Billie Jo Tustin is charged with murder, aggravated murder, felonious assault and endangering children, according to court records.
On Sept. 17, Tustin called 911 and told the dispatcher her 9-month-old wasn’t breathing, according to WSYX.
The infant was taken to a hospital with multiple brain bleeds, skull and neck fractures, and other injuries, prosecutors said, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Investigators said Tustin told them she threw her son roughly 15 feet across a room and had thrown him multiple times on previous occasions, the outlet reported.
The 30-year-old told investigators she had spanked and slapped him in the face out of frustration, WSYX reported.
Tustin’s boyfriend, 29-year-old Anfernee Barthel, lives in the home and is accused of not intervening or trying to get help for the infant, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Court records show he is charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children.
“I’m frustrated when someone does something to someone that is so innocent,” neighbor Kelli Wallace told WYSX.
Tustin is due back in court Sept. 26.
This story was originally published September 25, 2025 at 10:52 AM with the headline "9-month-old dies after being thrown across room, Ohio officials say. Mom charged."
