CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Kanawha County woman who was arrested on child abuse charges has waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Laura Southworth, 54, waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Kanawha County Magistrate Court Wednesday.
Southworth was arrested on September 23 after police were called to Bridge Road in Charleston for a well-being check when a juvenile child showed up on a neighbor’s porch in handcuffs.
The juvenile, who had allegedly had the handcuffs around her wrists since the night before police were called, was identified as Southworth’s eight-year-old granddaughter. When police investigated Southworth’s house, they found evidence of abuse and neglect.
In her home, Southworth had custody of the eight-year-old granddaughter and another 3-year-old girl who was also her grandchild, as well as her two biological sons, ages 14 and 16.
In November 2022, Southworth had filed a notice of intent for all children except the three-year-old girl to be placed on homeschool status, according to a Kanawha County Schools spokesperson.
Southworth’s case will now be considered by a Kanawha County grand jury. Southworth is currently free on bond.