Baytown, TX – Rachel Nicole Blaylock, a 40-year-old Texas mother, faces criminal charges for injury to a child after her 11-year-old son, who is nonverbal and has autism, was found severely malnourished, weighing just 46 pounds. According to authorities, the boy’s living conditions were found to be appalling, with feces under his fingernails and infestations of flies in the home.
The Incident: Cops Respond to Urgent Welfare Check
On May 13, police were called to perform an urgent welfare check at a residence on the 200 block of Homan Street in Baytown, just outside of Houston. The request came after concerns were raised about the boy’s health and living conditions.
Upon arriving at the home, the officer was greeted by Blaylock and immediately noted the unsanitary conditions of the house. The home was infested with flies and had a strong odor of feces, described as so overpowering that the officer nearly became ill from the stench.
The officer followed Blaylock to her son’s bedroom, where the 11-year-old boy was confined. Blaylock allegedly told police she believed her son had autism, though he had never been formally diagnosed.
The Boy’s Condition: Severe Neglect and Abuse
Once inside the room, the officer noted extreme neglect. The boy was found malnourished, weighing only 46 pounds, significantly underweight for his age. The room was reportedly covered in fecal matter, and Blaylock explained that her son would often defecate in his room, pick up the feces, and throw it around.
“The smell was bad enough she nearly threw up,” the affidavit said, describing the condition of the house.
Blaylock also informed the officer that her son would not use a toilet and refused to wear a diaper, making the living conditions worse. The boy’s fingernails were caked with feces, indicating prolonged neglect.
The child’s bedroom door was a screen door locked from the outside, preventing him from leaving on his own. Blaylock explained that the door was used to monitor her son. The officer also learned that Child Protective Services (CPS) had previously instructed Blaylock to take her son to the hospital due to his severe malnutrition, but she refused.
Blaylock’s Response: Dismissive and Defiant
When questioned by the officer about her refusal to take her son to the hospital, Blaylock allegedly said,
“I can’t just drop everything I’m f—ing doing and take him to the hospital so a quack a— doctor can say ‘ohh I don’t know what’s wrong with him so we can see another one.'”
Blaylock’s attitude toward her son’s health and well-being appeared to be one of dismissal and indifference, according to authorities.
Family Reactions and Further Neglect Claims
In interviews with family members, Blaylock’s mother was critical of her daughter’s parenting. She reportedly said,
“She is not a good mom,”
and went on to describe how Blaylock would often tell her son to “shut up” and make him sleep on a mattress on the floor.
Additionally, Blaylock was accused of using $200 in monthly food stamps meant for the child to support herself and her boyfriend. This, according to family members, further highlighted the neglectful and selfish behavior Blaylock exhibited toward her son.
Medical Evaluation: Severe Consequences of Neglect
The boy was transported to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe autism and extensive dental decay, a result of long-term neglect. According to doctors, there were also concerns of possible sexual abuse due to the child’s condition.
Doctors confirmed that the boy’s severe malnutrition had taken a significant toll on his physical health, and he was immediately placed in medical care.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Rachel Nicole Blaylock was arrested on October 3 and charged with injury to a child. She was booked into the Harris County Jail and has since been released on bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 18, 2024.
Blaylock faces serious legal consequences if convicted, and the case is raising concerns about child abuse, neglect, and the responsibility of parents to care for their children’s health and safety.
Conclusion: Ongoing Impact and Legal Action
The case of Rachel Nicole Blaylock underscores the extreme consequences of neglect and abuse toward vulnerable children. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the child’s recovery and the steps authorities will take to ensure justice is served for the young boy.
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