Two Manitowoc residents babysitting a 3 year old boy who died while in their care, have been officially charged with child neglect. Court records show that 38 years old Jamie Schrank is charged with two counts of chronic child neglect, two counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 46 year old Eduardo Gamez is charged with two counts of chronic child neglect and one count of possession of meth. Additional charges are pending based on autopsy results, which could take several weeks.
Police were called to a local hospital on July 28th for a report of a child being treated for external and internal injuries. The child was transported to Green Bay for emergency surgery then to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for more surgery where he later died.
A 5 year old child whom the defendants have in common was also examined at a local hospital where it was revealed he had bruising on his legs and abdominal/chest area. Their child has been placed in care outside the home. A police investigation also discovered that both Gamez and Shrank had ingested drugs with Schrank admitting to authorities that she smoked meth daily. Earlier this month the court issued a “contact provision”, allowing them to see their child as allowed and provided by the Department of Human Services. Both defendants remain in the Manitowoc County Jail in lieu of $25 thousand cash. They are due back in court for preliminary hearings August 22nd.