FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A 50-year-old grandfather faces a felony child abuse charge related to the death of his 7-year-old grandson.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was called on June 30 after learning that the boy had been admitted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial hospital to be treated for injuries after a reported fall in the 1000 block of Muse Field Road. Two days later, Hunter Wayne Cumbie died while still a patient at the hospital.
Through the course of the investigation, authorities charged John Robert Ebel, the child’s grandfather and caretaker, with felony child abuse. Ebel is currently being held without bond.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into the child’s death is ongoing.