A 2-year-old boy is hospitalized in Manhattan on a ventilator following an alleged assault by his father. The boy, Maliek, was reportedly beaten while his father, 30-year-old Dayvon Morrison, was intoxicated. Morrison has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault.
According to CBS News, Maliek was living with his father at a homeless shelter in Long Island City when the alleged incident took place. Police reported that Morrison reportedly transported the boy in the undercarriage of a stroller to a relative’s residence in Manhattan early Monday. Witnesses who noticed Maliek’s injuries contacted authorities. During questioning, Morrison reportedly stated that he may have hit Maliek but could not clearly remember due to alcohol consumption.
Maliek’s condition is critical, with injuries including brain damage and a fractured pelvis. PIX11 reported that he also suffered a blown right pupil and a liver laceration, and doctors have expressed concern about his chances of survival. Morrison reportedly observed his son’s condition on Saturday but did not seek medical attention despite the child’s worsening health over the weekend.
Cyndy Williams, Maliek’s mother, has expressed concern about the response of authorities and is seeking justice for her son. Williams had previously reported concerns about her son’s safety to multiple agencies, including the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), the courts, and the NYPD. An ACS spokesperson stated that the safety and well-being of New York City children is their top priority, and that the agency is investigating the abuse with the NYPD while hoping for the child’s full recovery.
