San Antonio, TX – A Texas mother and her boyfriend are facing criminal charges after their 2-year-old son was severely burned with boiling pasta water, an incident that reportedly occurred after months of abuse, according to police.
Tyreesha Robinson, 32, and Devien Wheeler, 31, are both charged with injury to a child after an investigation uncovered the boy’s third-degree burns and other injuries, including a healing broken arm.
The Boiling Water Attack
Police say the abuse escalated to the point where the boy was doused with boiling pasta water in late May or early June. According to court affidavits, Robinson admitted the attack took place after a heated altercation between Wheeler and the boy’s biological father.
Robinson allegedly told officers she was scared to report the abuse due to threats made by Wheeler. Wheeler reportedly warned her:
“No one is going to find out about this or you are going to lose your kids.”
Despite the severe burns, Robinson never sought medical attention for the child, and the abuse went unreported for months, according to the affidavits.
Signs of Abuse Revealed in Hospital Visit
The boy was finally hospitalized after being brought in for treatment, where doctors discovered a “healing broken arm” and burns across the boy’s head, neck, torso, and back. The extent of his injuries indicated the boiling water was poured from an elevated position, which caused the liquid to travel downward and severely burn the child’s body.
Wheeler allegedly used the boiling water from a pot of pasta to carry out the attack.
Initial Investigation and Arrest
On August 22, Robinson called police to their apartment in the 8800 block of Starcrest Drive to report an assault by Wheeler on her son. According to Robinson, she heard her son scream, and when she found him in the bathroom tub, he was “very hot” and had visible burn marks on his body.
Using a first aid kit, Robinson attempted to treat the child’s injuries.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
Following an investigation, both Robinson and Wheeler were arrested on August 29, charged with injury to a child, elderly, or disabled individual with intent to cause serious bodily injury or mental impairment.
Robinson was booked into Bexar County Jail with a $250,000 bond, while Wheeler’s bond was set at $300,000.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of reporting abuse and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident, and both suspects face serious charges related to the severe harm inflicted on the young boy.
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