The Moffat County mother charged with Child Abuse Resulting In Death and Child Abuse Resulting In Serious Injury was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday. On March 11th, 2021, the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a suspicious vehicle near County Road 54 in unincorporated Moffat County. Deputies located the vehicle unoccupied on a service road not frequently traveled. 37-year-old Kaylee Messerly of Craig and her two daughters were located approximately 1 mile from the vehicle. Messerly and the 3-year-old were found alive, suffering from cold exposure injuries. The 18 month old baby was found deceased. She was not wearing shoes or appropriate clothing for winter conditions. An investigation of the incident, led by the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office and the Investigative Division, resulted in the arrest of Kaylee Ann Messerly on April 9th. Messerly tested positive for methamphetamine at the hospital where she was treated for frostbite. Her 3-year-old daughter had extreme frostbite that resulted in the amputation of the child’s feet. Craig Daily Press reported that after closing statements, the jury deliberated for 26 minutes before finding Messerly guilty on both counts. Sentencing is scheduled for September 1st.
