Conover Man To Serve At Least 42 Years For Abuse Of Three Children

A Catawba County man will spend at least 42 years in prison for the abuse of three children.

Christopher Michael Welch, 38, of Conover, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and two counts of intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury on Wednesday, according to a news release from District Attorney Scott Reilly.

Welch was sentenced to 42 to 54 years in prison.

Deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office discovered conditions that led to a criminal investigation in February 2025.

The investigation found that the children had been subjected to ongoing abuse, neglect and deprivation over an extended period of time. The abuse resulted in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment according to the press release.

Welch’s co-defendant, Amy Gonzalez, previously received a sentence of 39 to 50 years following her guilty plea on June 15.

File Photo