Portland, OR – An Oregon man has been sentenced to over a decade in prison after he punched his 20-month-old son, causing life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Toddler Severely Injured in Stomach Assault
On April 4, 2024, Joseph Washington allegedly punched his toddler twice in the stomach, resulting in a perforated small intestine. The boy, who was under the care of his mother, required immediate surgery after she rushed him to the hospital upon realizing the severity of his condition.
Washington was temporarily watching the child at his girlfriend’s house while the mother was at work. He reportedly contacted her claiming the boy was “throwing up significantly”, but ignored her request to take the child directly to the hospital. Medical staff confirmed the blunt force trauma caused the intestinal perforation, which allowed fluid and air to leak into his abdomen, making it impossible for the child to eat or digest food safely.
Admission of Abuse
Washington later admitted to the boy’s mother that he became frustrated because the child was “bothering him that night”, leading to the assault.
Court Verdict and Sentence
Earlier this month, a jury convicted Washington of first-degree assault, and on Friday, he was sentenced to 121 months in prison.
Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga, who prosecuted the case, said:
“The defendant’s violence nearly killed this child. Despite his attempts to ignore the child’s symptoms and persuading the mother to have the child go to sleep that night, her decision to take him to the hospital saved his life. The verdict in this case represents accountability for his gruesome behavior. Protecting children is what the community is tasked with, and I am thankful to the jury for reaching the proper conclusion and holding the defendant accountable in this case.”
Defendant’s Criminal History
Washington has an extensive criminal record, including assault, kidnapping, and sex trafficking of children, prosecutors said.
Life-Saving Intervention
Authorities credited the child’s mother for acting quickly, emphasizing that timely medical intervention can prevent fatal outcomes in suspected abuse cases.
Community Awareness
This case highlights the importance of recognizing and reporting child abuse. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of harm to local authorities immediately.
What steps can communities take to better protect children from abuse? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
