Gastonia, NC — Gaston County Police and the Department of Social Services are investigating a serious overdose involving an 8-month-old infant that occurred on July 27, 2025.
Officers responded to a residence on Rural Retreat Road in Bessemer City after the infant was found unconscious and not breathing. Emergency medical personnel treated the baby on scene before transporting the child to CaroMont Regional Hospital, where the infant is now recovering.
Following the investigation and consultation with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the infant’s parents, Kayla Wilhelm, 29, and Bobby McKinney, 33, were arrested on August 4, 2025. They face multiple charges including felony child abuse causing serious bodily injury, misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, and two counts each of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule II controlled substances.
Both Wilhelm and McKinney remain in custody at Gaston County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.
