A one-year-old Beaumont child is in critical condition at a Houston hospital after suffering what police describe as severe external and internal injuries, and a 28-year-old man is now facing a first-degree felony charge. Beaumont police arrested Howard Dewayne Walker on Thursday after detectives with the department's Special Crimes unit obtained a warrant alleging injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury, according to 12NewsNow. The investigation began on Tuesday and remains active as officers work to piece together what led to the child’s injuries.
Detectives were called to a residence on Tuesday, where the injured toddler was found, 12NewsNow reports. The child was first taken to a local hospital, then airlifted to Houston for specialized care and remains in critical condition.
Arrest, Charges And What Comes Next
Walker is accused of causing serious bodily injury to a child and has been booked into the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. Public inmate records and booking information are available on the sheriff's site.
The charge of injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury is a first-degree felony under Texas law. A conviction can carry five to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000, according to Texas Penal Code §22.04 and the state's sentencing statutes.
How To Share Tips With Police
Beaumont police say the investigation is far from over. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood and following leads while the case remains open, and they are asking the public for help.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Beaumont Police Department at (409) 832-1234 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS (8477), as reported by 12NewsNow.
