Columbia, Missouri – A Missouri woman has been taken into custody after police say she repeatedly beat a juvenile child with a phone charging cable and used food deprivation as a form of punishment. Deputies responded after neighbors reported suspicious behavior, leading to the child revealing days-long starvation and ongoing physical abuse.
Incident Overview
According to the probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrived at a residence in the 5600 block of North Rocky Fork Drive around noon on Friday after multiple neighbors reported seeing a child “hiding when cars passed.” When authorities located the juvenile, the child stated they were “running away from home” due to ongoing physical abuse.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Breashia Jwantae Grant, was arrested shortly after. She is charged with felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and felony third-degree domestic assault, according to court documents.
Timeline of Events
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the child, who alleged that just before fleeing the home, Grant struck them more than 10 times on the arm using a phone charging cable.
When asked to show the injuries, the juvenile rolled up their long sleeve, revealing fresh red swelling, “thin swirling marks,” and visible scars in varying stages of healing. The deputy noted that the injuries appeared to have “accumulated over time” from multiple incidents of abuse.
Details From Police and Affidavit
The juvenile further described how they sustained more scarring on the left arm because they frequently raised it to block incoming strikes from Grant. The child said being hit with the charging cord was “an ongoing problem.”
In another disturbing detail, the affidavit states:
“The victim informed us the day prior Breashia Grant hit [them] with the cord, pushed [them] to the ground, kicked them in the ribs multiple times and punched them in the head with a closed fist.”
Police also noted scarring on the child’s hand, suggesting repeated attempts to shield themselves during attacks.
The information comes from documents obtained through Boone County court records, which outline the severity and frequency of the injuries.
Food Deprivation Used as Punishment
Beyond the physical assaults, the juvenile told deputies that Grant routinely used food as a form of punishment. According to the affidavit, the child claimed that:
- Two weeks ago, they were denied food for five consecutive days.
- At the beginning of this week, they were again denied food for two straight days.
The victim described these incidents as intentional punishments imposed by Grant, adding to the cumulative abuse that ultimately pushed them to run away from home.
Witness Accounts and Neighborhood Concerns
Multiple neighbors contacted the sheriff’s office after noticing the child repeatedly hiding and acting fearful around passing vehicles. Their calls prompted the welfare check that ultimately exposed the abuse.
Deputies stated that the child appeared visibly distressed but coherent while detailing the allegations. Authorities commended the residents who reported the behavior, emphasizing how community vigilance can save a life in situations like this.
Child Abuse Warning Signs
Cases such as this highlight how children often hide injuries or emotional trauma out of fear. Experts say common warning signs of ongoing abuse include:
- Wearing long sleeves even in warm weather
- Fearful behavior around adults
- Avoiding going home
- Visible injuries in multiple stages of healing
- Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition
Law enforcement encourages community members to report unusual behavior immediately.
Child welfare advocates also warn that food deprivation is a dangerously underreported form of child abuse. Going days without food can cause severe weakness, long-term developmental harm, and emotional trauma.
Status of the Suspect
Breashia Jwantae Grant is currently being held in the Boone County Jail without bond. Authorities have not yet confirmed her next scheduled court appearance. The investigation remains active as officials continue gathering medical records, statements, and evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged abuse.
Conclusion
The case has sparked concern throughout the community, igniting conversations about unnoticed child abuse and the critical role of neighbors in reporting suspicious behavior. As the investigation continues, officials encourage anyone who suspects a child is in danger to contact law enforcement immediately.
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