by Beaumont, Texas — A Texas man has been arrested and charged after police say he severely injured his girlfriend’s 1-year-old daughter while the child’s mother was away at a medical appointment, leaving the toddler fighting for her life.
According to the Beaumont Police Department, Howard Dewayne Walker Jr., 28, is charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury after the toddler was brought to a local hospital in critical condition on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers responded to the hospital around 1 p.m. after medical staff reported that the child was exhibiting signs consistent with severe physical abuse. Due to the extent of her injuries, the toddler was later airlifted to a hospital in Houston for advanced treatment.
Child Found Unresponsive With Extensive Injuries
Court records state that when doctors examined the child, she was intubated and unresponsive, suffering from significant facial swelling, bruising to her chest and abdomen, dried blood around her ear, and multiple burn-like lesions and healing wounds on her body.
Detectives noted that the injuries appeared extensive and raised immediate concern that they were not accidental.
Medical staff later informed investigators that the child had sustained facial fractures, a lacerated liver, and active internal bleeding, injuries described as life-threatening.
Mother Left Children in Walker’s Care
According to the arrest affidavit, the child’s mother left her daughter and another child with Walker shortly before 10 a.m. while she attended a doctor’s appointment related to pregnancy pain.
Later that morning, Walker allegedly sent a message to the mother indicating something had happened. Concerned family members were sent to the home to check on the situation.
What they encountered prompted immediate alarm.
Witnesses told police the toddler was barely responsive, gasping for air, with a visibly swollen eye and dark marks across her body. Family members also reported seeing Walker applying a frozen can of orange juice to the child’s face in an apparent attempt to reduce swelling.
Signs of Possible Cleanup at the Home
When officers arrived at the residence, they reported detecting a strong smell of bleach, along with wet floors and a mop nearby. Investigators noted the conditions appeared consistent with an attempt to clean up blood or evidence.
Walker was initially detained on unrelated municipal warrants.
After being advised of his rights, police say Walker gave conflicting explanations about what happened. He initially claimed he was not home when the injuries occurred, first blaming a babysitter and later pointing to the child’s mother.
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Investigators later determined Walker was the only adult present with the child at the time she suffered the injuries.
Suspect Claims Injuries Were an “Allergic Reaction”
According to police, Walker later admitted he was alone with the toddler but attempted to explain the child’s condition by claiming the swelling was caused by an allergic reaction.
Detectives wrote that Walker failed to provide any plausible explanation for the severity and pattern of the injuries.
Doctors directly contradicted Walker’s claims, telling investigators that the child’s injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma requiring significant force, not an allergic reaction or accidental event.
Child Remains in Critical Condition
As of the latest update, the toddler remains in critical condition while receiving treatment in Houston. Authorities have not released additional information about her prognosis.
Walker is currently being held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on a $1 million bond.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. Officials emphasized that cases involving severe child injuries require coordination between law enforcement, medical professionals, and child protective services.
Authorities reiterated the importance of reporting suspected abuse immediately, noting that delays in medical care can significantly worsen outcomes for young children.
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