NATCHEZ — A Natchez man and woman are behind bars for reportedly abusing their 6-week-old baby, causing head trauma.

Natchez Police Chief Daniel White said Fredrick V. Washington Jr., 25, 16 Stardust Drive, and Audrey R. Cotton, 23, 137 Lewis Drive, Apt. H-7, were charged last week with felony child abuse.

Police were notified of the alleged abuse when staff at the Merit Health Natchez’s emergency room contacted them after seeing suspicious injuries on the baby.

The baby was brought to the hospital in early November because it was not breathing properly. The baby was transported to a Jackson hospital and treated for a fractured skull, brain swelling and hemorrhaging, White said.

The baby has since been released from the hospital, but is receiving ongoing medical care and is in the custody of relatives.

White said an investigation led to the abuse charges, but police are unsure exactly how the baby sustained the injuries.

Washington and Cotton remain in the Natchez City Jail.

Washington has a $1 million bond, and Cotton’s bond is $500,000.