Marion -- A Marion man has been charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse in connection with the 2024 death of his three-month-old daughter.
According to the Marion Police Department, the charges against Timothy Michael Blake Thorne, 31, were served on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Thorne was already in custody at the McDowell County Jail on unrelated charges when the new warrants were issued.
Incident Background
The case began shortly after midnight on September 12, 2024. Officers responded to a report of an infant in cardiac arrest at a residence located at 34 Carroll Street. Upon arrival, police were met by Thorne, who directed them to an upstairs bedroom where the three-month-old child was found unresponsive.
Another adult was also present at the residence.
Emergency personnel from the Marion Police Department and McDowell County EMS performed lifesaving measures at the scene. The infant was transported to McDowell Hospital and subsequently airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where she died later that day.
Investigative Process
The Marion Police Department conducted an investigation that spanned approximately one and a half years. Investigators stated the timeframe was necessary to conduct interviews and await the results of comprehensive medical records and forensic reports.
On March 25, investigators officially charged Thorne with:
One count of First-Degree Murder
One count of Felony Child Abuse
Current Legal Status
Thorne is currently being held at the McDowell County Jail with no bond. Records from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office indicate he was already being held on two counts of violating a domestic violence protection order.
The investigation remains active as authorities determine if additional charges will be filed in this case.