A Utah woman is facing child abuse charges after allegedly introducing bacteria and infections into her 2-year-old son’s bloodstream multiple times, according to court documents.
Kayla Barlow, 34, has been charged with one count of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony, following an investigation into her son’s repeated hospitalizations.
Hospital Staff Raised Red Flags
The case first came to light when authorities were called to a children’s hospital in Salt Lake County on February 28, 2024, for a suspected child abuse incident. The toddler had been hospitalized since December 2023, and medical staff noticed a troubling pattern—whenever Barlow visited, her son’s condition worsened.
According to court records, his health improved when she left, only for him to become ill again upon her return. Doctors also discovered human feces in the child’s IV drip line, raising further concerns.
When investigators requested to search Barlow’s bag, she refused, claiming it contained syringes for IVF treatment and that she didn’t want them to be misinterpreted as tools for harming her son.
Medical Records Reveal Alarming Infections
In March 2024, detectives reviewed the toddler’s medical records, which showed he suffered from chronic lung disease and required oxygen support.
The child had previously been discharged from a hospital in Colorado with a PICC line (a peripherally inserted central catheter) to receive antibiotics. However, before his follow-up appointment, he became ill and was admitted to a Utah hospital, where tests revealed an E. coli infection.
Doctors replaced the PICC line, but the new one also became contaminated, showing signs of a bacterial infection. Medical experts determined that the bacteria found in his blood typically originates from vaginal secretions or fecal matter—substances that can also be purchased online.
Investigators noted that the bacteria could not have entered his system through ingestion and had to have been deliberately introduced into his bloodstream.
Doctors Suspect Abuse
Medical professionals grew suspicious when the child continued to suffer from infections despite proper treatment. The case was escalated, leading to the criminal investigation.
Prosecutors Seek to Hold Barlow Without Bail
Due to the severity of the allegations, the State of Utah has requested that Barlow be held without bail while the case proceeds.
Barlow is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and all charges remain allegations at this time.
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