Beaumont, Texas – A Texas man is in custody after allegedly beating his girlfriend’s 1-year-old daughter, causing life-threatening injuries while her mother was at a doctor’s appointment, authorities confirmed.
Howard Dewayne Walker Jr., 28, was arrested and is facing injury to a child with serious bodily injury, according to the Beaumont Police Department. The child was initially brought to a hospital in Beaumont around 1 p.m. Tuesday, exhibiting signs consistent with child abuse, and was later airlifted to a hospital in Houston for critical care.
Horrific Injuries Reported
An arrest affidavit detailed the severity of the child’s injuries, including:
- Intubation and unresponsiveness
- Severe facial swelling
- Bruising to the chest and abdomen
- Dried blood in and around the left ear
- Multiple small circular burn-like lesions
- Healing lacerations on the inner thighs and left arm
Medical professionals indicated that the injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma requiring significant force, ruling out accidental causes or allergic reactions. Doctors reported facial fractures, a liver laceration, and active internal bleeding, with the child listed in critical condition.
Alleged Incident Details
According to the affidavit, the child’s mother left the home shortly before 10 a.m. for a pregnancy-related doctor appointment, leaving Walker in charge of the children. Walker later texted the mother about the incident, prompting family members to check on the children.
Witnesses described the scene as horrific, reporting that the child was largely unresponsive, gasping, and covered in dark bruises, with patterned marks on her face, chest, and abdomen. Walker was allegedly observed applying a frozen orange juice can to the infant’s face, and officers noted the home smelled strongly of bleach, with wet floors indicating an attempted cleanup.
Suspect’s Statements
Initially, Walker denied being present during the incident, blaming a babysitter and then his girlfriend. After questioning, he admitted to being the only adult with the child but claimed her swelling was due to an “allergic reaction,” offering no plausible explanation for the severe injuries.
Walker is currently detained at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on a $1 million bond, pending further charges.
Authorities Urge Vigilance and Reporting
The Beaumont Police Department emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected child abuse, noting that timely intervention can save lives and prevent further trauma.
Have you ever encountered cases of child abuse in your community? Share your thoughts, safety tips, or experiences with child welfare and reporting abuse in the comments below.
