Kelly Keegan WWNY

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Prosecutor: Keegan Left Baby Blind

Story Published: Mar 14, 2012 at 3:02 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2012 at 3:02 PM EDT

Prosecutors say Kelly Keegan assaulted his girfriend's infant, leaving her blind, while defense attorneys say the baby already had medical problems.

Lawyers in the Keegan assault trial presented the two different scenarios during their opening statements in Jefferson County Court Wednesday.

The 33 year old town of Lyme man faces numerous charges, including several counts of assault, reckless assault on a child, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Keegan allegedly inflicted traumatic brain injury on his girlfriend's 11 month old daughter, Kate Cawvey, at their home on Empie Road near Three Mile Bay on March 18, 2011.

The infant also suffered a fractured arm.

Keegan is also accused of causing friction burns to the baby's ears about three weeks earlier.

In opening statements, Senior Assistant District Attorney Aaron Carr said Cawvey is blind and can't feed herself because of her injuries.

He said pediatricians will testify that the baby had a normal development up until she was hurt.

Carr said testimony will show that baby's mother was at work when Keegan inflicted the injuries.

While Keegan told police the baby fell and hit her head on a golf club, Carr told the jury that "doesn't make sense."

The baby had other injuries including bruises to her chin, back and abdomen, he said.

Defense attorney John Hallett said he would produce evidence showing the child had a history of medical problems.

She "suffered a host - a plethora - of previous conditons," Hallett told the jury.

Keegan is currently free on $25,000 bail.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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