Waco, Texas – A Texas grandfather is facing serious allegations after investigators say he repeatedly beat, whipped, and threatened his young grandchildren — including warnings that he would “make sure you can’t eat” if they disobeyed him. The disturbing claims surfaced after police responded to a 911 call reporting ongoing child abuse inside a home on First Street in Waco.
Officers with the Bruceville-Eddy Police Department arrived at the residence on November 19 and spoke with the children’s mother, who is also the suspect’s stepdaughter. She told police she had just argued with 52-year-old Cody Wayne Ainsworth over how he treated the children. That exchange led to the discovery of what investigators describe as a pattern of escalating abuse, threats, and violent punishments.
What Police Say Sparked the Investigation
According to a probable cause affidavit, the mother described an incident involving her 7-year-old son that alarmed responding officers. She said the boy had used Ainsworth’s body wash to make more bubbles while taking a bath. When Ainsworth discovered it, he allegedly forced the child to place his hand on the kitchen table and then repeatedly slammed the child’s hand using his own.
The mother told investigators this was not a one-time event and that hand-beating was a common punishment Ainsworth used.
She also described regular verbal abuse, claiming Ainsworth often used profanity, threats, and intimidating language toward the children. That account was later supported by recordings provided by the children’s grandmother.
Audio Recordings Reveal Threats and Rage
Ainsworth’s wife, who is also the children’s grandmother, turned over several recorded conversations to police. In one recording, she confronts her husband over how he talks to the children:
“I’m tired of you treating them like they are f—ing dogs. You talk to them like they are grown a— people, instead of like children. Do you know that is child abuse?”
Other audio clips allegedly captured Ainsworth threatening the grandchildren with violence if they misbehaved. According to the affidavit, he can be heard saying:
- “If you look off one more time, you’re getting whooped.”
- “Touch that remote one more time, and you ain’t got to worry about TV no more.”
- “You won’t be able to eat no more, because I will make sure you can’t eat.”
- “I’ll kick your a—.”
- “I don’t give a [expletive] if you gotta go to the bathroom… You can p— all over yourself.”
Investigators say the threats appeared to be part of a long-term pattern of fear and intimidation inside the home.
School Staff Documented Injuries Over Time
As police continued their investigation, a school nurse told officers she had spoken to one of the boys, who said he hurt his back after “Grandpa Cody” tackled him.
A teacher also reported that she had been tracking the child’s regular injuries — reportedly documenting issues with the boy’s stomach, feet, cheek, chin, and elbows on a weekly basis.
The consistency of these injuries added weight to the family’s allegations, according to the affidavit.
Children Describe Abuse in Forensic Interviews
During formal forensic interviews, the 4-year-old told authorities he was afraid of Ainsworth. He reportedly stated that Ainsworth used a belt to “give him a whooping on his stomach,” describing actions that investigators said aligned with the injuries documented by school personnel.
Both boys, according to police, showed a clear fear of their grandfather.
Charges and What Happens Next
Ainsworth was arrested and charged with three counts of injury to a child. He was booked into the McLennan County Jail on a $150,000 bond, though records show he has since bonded out. It is not yet clear when his next court appearance will take place.
Discussions with school staff, interviews with the children, and the grandmother’s recordings are expected to play a central role in the ongoing case.
Why This Case Raises Larger Concerns
Child welfare experts often note that patterns of escalating punishment — especially when combined with threats, isolation, or emotional abuse — can go undetected for long periods of time. In this case, the school’s documentation and the grandmother’s recordings may have prevented further harm.
Police have urged residents to report suspected abuse immediately, noting that early intervention is crucial in protecting children in dangerous home environments.
Community Impact and Awareness
Cases like this often lead to increased community awareness around mandatory reporting, especially among teachers, neighbors, and extended family members. Texas law requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse within 48 hours, but anyone can make an anonymous report if they fear a child is in danger.
Officials say that vigilance from adults who observe warning signs — injuries, fearfulness, unusual explanations, or concerning home behavior — can save lives.
Conclusion
The allegations against Cody Wayne Ainsworth continue to unfold as investigators collect evidence and prepare for court proceedings. Meanwhile, the children involved are receiving support as authorities work to ensure their safety.
If you have thoughts on this story or know of similar cases in your area, share your perspective in the comments below.
