Fort Campbell babysitter charged with murder of infant

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A Fort Campbell woman has been charged with murdering a Clarksville infant who was in her care.

Sheilla Linares is charged with the death of 2-month old Thomas Castellon II.

She was served an indictment on Friday, but her warrant remains sealed, according to Stephanie Collins, spokeswoman for the Western District of Kentucky U.S. Attorney’s office.

Linares is charged with federal first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. She is accused of abusing Thomas Jr. on or about Dec. 3, 2013. He died of his injuries four days later.

While her son was in the care of Linares, Lucy Castellon, Thomas’ mother, received a phone call that her son was not responding and had aspirated. She later found out he had brain hemorrhaging and swelling from shaken baby syndrome, according to a previous report.

An autopsy determined the child died from blunt force trauma to the head, and the death was ruled a homicide.

Linares admitted to officers that she shook the child at her Fort Campbell home, according to a Clarksville Police report.

Family members were in disbelief when they heard of the injuries.

“She was our friend, and I didn’t want to believe it,” Lucy Castellon previously said.

The woman had taken care of their daughter, Aurora, for the previous four years.

In September, the family held a balloon release in honor of what would’ve been Thomas Jr.’s first birthday.

At that time, no charges had been filed and the investigation continued.

Lucy Castellon said they have patiently waited on the justice system and knew it was a matter of time, before the case progressed.

Monday, Lucy Castellon said her family is glad an arrest has been made.

“Obviously, it’s a big relief something has been done,” Lucy Castellon said. “They told us she is facing life in prison. It was a relief to know she wasn’t just facing 12-15 years, because nobody’s life can be valued at that. He was our son and would have lived many years.

“We have been praying for justice, and we are happy we are getting it.”

A detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Paducah, Kentucky. Magistrate Judge Lanny King will preside over the case.