TRUMBULL CO. Father indicted in death

Bobby Lee Craven faces multiple charges.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 24-year-old Girard man has been indicted on charges of murder, felonious assault and two charges of endangering children.
The Trumbull County grand jury indicted Bobby Lee Craven of Trumbull Avenue on charges that he caused the death of his 20-month-old son, Brandon, on Sept. 19.
The indictments also state that on Sept. 17 Craven caused serious physical harm to Brandon, and on Sept. 14, endangered the lives of Brandon and his 3-year-old son, Robert.
The indictment does not specify the alleged action. Girard police however, said Craven is accused of beating Robert, who required hospitalization, and Brandon.
Craven is being held in Trumbull County jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond. Jail officials said Craven is scheduled to be arraigned later this week but no date has been set.
If convicted of all the charges, Craven could face up to 20 years to life in prison, officials said.
The children: Both boys were taken by relatives Sept. 17 to Forum Health Northside Medical Center. Brandon died two days later after being taken off life support.
Robert has been released from Tod Children's Hospital and is in the custody of Trumbull County Children Services.
Robert Kubiak, children services director, said Robert is in foster care.
The coroner's office ruled Brandon's death a homicide, saying the boy died of a head injury.
Brandon was taken to the hospital by Craven's mother, Ethel Smeltzer.
Craven and the boys lived in a mobile home with Smeltzer and her husband, John, who is Craven's stepfather.
Officials say Craven is unemployed.