A case involving alleged child abuse in Queens has concluded with the death of a 2-year-old boy, Maliek. His mother, Cyndy Williams, stated that Maliek died following an incident in which he was allegedly beaten by his father at a local shelter. On Wednesday evening, Williams posted on social media that her son had passed away, noting the date and time of his death, as reported by ABC7NY. The child’s father, Dayvon Morrison, 30, was arraigned earlier that day and charged with attempted murder and assault. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail, and authorities indicated that the charges may be upgraded.
After Morrison’s arrest, authorities said the initial incident left Maliek in a coma with severe injuries. Investigators stated that Morrison told police he did not recall the assault and attributed his lack of memory to intoxication at the time, saying he may have struck the child but could not remember, The New York Post reported. Officials further alleged that Morrison did not seek immediate medical attention following the incident and instead traveled with Maliek through parts of Queens and East Harlem. Medical care was not provided until early Monday morning, when witnesses contacted authorities after observing the child’s condition.
Maliek was placed on life support at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital after sustaining severe head trauma and other critical injuries. The injuries reported included a blown right pupil, a fractured pelvis, a liver laceration, brain stem damage, multiple brain bleeds, and brain swelling, based on statements from his mother, Cyndy Williams, and medical information cited by ABC7NY. The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that it intends to seek upgraded charges against Morrison following Maliek’s death, consistent with remarks made during the earlier arraignment.
In the period surrounding her son’s hospitalization and following his death, Williams spoke publicly about earlier concerns she said she had raised regarding Maliek’s safety. She stated that she had contacted the Administration for Children’s Services and referenced suspicions, documentation, and messages related to her concerns. Similar statements were included in comments previously obtained by ABC7NY. The Administration for Children’s Services also issued a statement saying that the safety and well-being of New York City children is its top priority and that it is working with the NYPD to investigate the reported abuse.
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