Two arrests have been made in a disturbing case where a 2-year-old child was found with severe burns and a broken arm. According to KTSA, Tyreesha Deshay Robinson, 32, and Devien Marquis Wheeler, 31, have been charged and are currently incarcerated in the Bexar County Jail. The notifications of the child's injuries to the police were delayed, with reports that the wounds could date back several months.
A statement obtained by KENS 5 indicates that during an incident earlier this year, it is suspected that hot liquid was deliberately poured on the child. Robinson told investigators that she was cooking and bathing the child. After momentarily leaving, she heard screams. When she returned, Wheeler was seen walking away from the child, who by then had already sustained severe injuries. Another layer to the story unfolded as detectives learned that Robinson had not sought medical help for the child out of fear she might lose them to Child Protective Services.
The medical examination revealed the child's injuries included third-degree burns, scarring, hair loss, and a broken arm that was healing and expected to require surgery. Robinson confessed to being aware of the arm injury but claimed she took no action due to fear of Wheeler. New information reported by KENS 5 highlighted Robinson's account of not seeking medical help because Wheeler had threatened her with a gun.
Former Child Protective Services investigator, now consultant, Carrie Wilcoxson, addressed the case's layers, illustrating a common trend. "Mothers who have been victims of domestic violence will say things like, 'Well, I didn’t do it. I didn’t harm my child. He did,'" Wilcoxson said, as she quoted in an interview with KENS 5. She stressed that in cases of domestic violence, parents may not always grasp their responsibility to shield their children from harm, even through omission or failure to act. In light of these events, Wilcoxson is set to engage with Bexar County officials to potentially discuss better support systems and education on these legal responsibilities, particularly where domestic violence complicates matters.
Both Robinson and Wheeler are facing charges of injury to a child, with authorities continuing to investigate the case. The 2-year-old victim, now receiving medical care, awaits surgical procedures to address the extensive damage done. Stay connected with local news sources for further developments on this case.
