Robert Wayne Wyant, the Scottsville resident charged with the murder of 8-month-old Alexis McFadyen, has been denied bond for a second time. Wyant, who had been dating the child’s mother at the time, was babysitting McFadyen when she reported to the UVA Hospital with injuries similar to those of Shaken Baby Syndrome. McFadyen died two days later.
 Robert Wayne Wyant was denied bond a second time. He’s charged with second degree murder for the death of 8-month-old Alexis McFadyen. |
At the May 23 hearing in Albemarle Circuit Court, Public Defender Nicholas J. Reppucci assembled five character witnesses—including Wyant’s father, pastor and two former co-workers—who spoke of Wyant’s dependability. But according to Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Darby G. Lowe, Wyant has been convicted four times of failure to appear before the Court for lesser charges. Citing this, Judge Cheryl V. Higgins denied bond.
Testifying as a witness for the prosecution, a detective investigating the case said Wyant displayed a “pattern of unreliability” at his most recent place of employment, C.W. Hurt Contractors, Inc., where he failed to report to work on more than one occasion. After being put on probation at the company, Wyant was later dismissed.
The detective also spoke of a $1,500 loan Wyant sought from his employer. Though Wyant said it would be used to assist the victim’s family with funeral expenses, he actually spent the money on personal expenses, including fuel for his residence, rent and updating his TV satellite system, according to the detective.
More evidence came from a representative from Albemarle County Child Protective Services, who identified a visitation issue with Wyant and his biological daughter. According to the representative, Wyant kept a loaded gun openly displayed in his vehicle when picking up his daughter for visitation—even when the child was unrestrained in the vehicle.
No trail date was set. Both attorneys cited a need for more time to gather evidence and coordinate possible witnesses. The next scheduled hearing is June 4.
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