Forks woman arrested in death of toddler

FORKS — A 44-year-old Forks woman is under investigation in the death of a 2-year-old boy.

Ramona Jean Ward allegedly caused a traumatic brain injury to a toddler who was in her care, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said.

The boy died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle this morning, Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said.

“There is no strong motive, other than indifference to the baby’s life,” King said.

King said he would not release the name of the child because of his age.

Ward, who was arrested Thursday in Forks, is expected to make her first appearance in Clallam County Superior Court at 1 p.m. Monday.

Ward phoned 9-1-1 from her residence on the 1700 block of Calawah Way to report that the boy was unresponsive at about 1:57 p.m. Wednesday, investigators said.

The toddler was rushed to Forks Community Hospital, where medical staff identified injuries consistent with abuse and neglect before he was airlifted to Harborview, King said.

Clallam County sheriff’s detectives, Port Angeles and Sequim police detectives and a State Patrol crime lab team were investigating.

“We’re still busy working this thing,” King said in a Friday interview.

“It’s a nightmare.”

Ward was booked into the Clallam County jail for investigation of first-degree assault of a child. The recommended charge was changed to second-degree murder after the baby died.

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in Crime

Sequim man jailed for alleged assault, eluding police, other counts

A 59-year-old Sequim resident remained in the Clallam County… Continue reading

Both accused, alleged victim in ICU

Both the accused and the alleged victim involved in… Continue reading

Two airlifted after stabbing near Port Townsend highway

Law enforcement uses stun guns to stop man from harming himself

Port Angeles man sentenced on drug charges from June traffic stop

Digital scales, about 5,000 pills found during vehicle search

Attempted warrant arrest leads to pursuit

PA man investigated for eluding deputies, reckless endangerment

Charges dismissed during trial in 2020 assault, burglary case

PORT ANGELES – Assault and burglary charges against an Oregon man dating… Continue reading

Forks man charged with drug endangerment

Officials: Hair tested from 18-month-old positive for meth

Teens plead not guilty in alleged pier assault

Both boys have status hearings next month

Sequim man found incompetent to stand trial in his murder case

Attorney general’s office could argue to have him committed

Car chase, drugs net 26-year sentence

Prosecutor highlights impact of fentanyl