CHESTER, PA – A 2-year-old boy’s death inside a Butler Street home has led to murder charges against his parents, who prosecutors say abused the child, denied him medical care, and attempted to shift blame to another sibling. The case, which dates back to a late-night emergency call, has drawn scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the child’s fatal injuries and the actions taken in the hours before his death.
Officers were called to the 900 block of Butler Street around 11 p.m. on Nov. 5 after reports of a “small child unresponsive and in cardiac arrest with possible head trauma.” The child was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to court documents reviewed by KYW, the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and torso.
Charges and allegations outlined by prosecutors
Cynthia Robinson, 34, is accused of killing her son. The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office stated she “beat her 2-year-old son to death” and has charged her with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the third degree, four counts of endangering the welfare of children, and three counts of aggravated assault.
Frank Walton Sr., 58, faces charges including third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the third degree, involuntary manslaughter, and four counts of endangering the welfare of children. Prosecutors allege he “prevented medical intervention to hide the abuse, ensuring” the child’s death.
Three other children were inside the home at the time, according to authorities. Investigators said Robinson initially attempted to blame one of the siblings for the fatal injuries. “Initially Ms. Robinson blamed the death on one of her other children,” the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office said. Authorities added that “the scenarios” she described “specifically her other children being responsible for the child’s death, were factually impossible.”
Investigation reveals prior abuse concerns
As the investigation progressed, detectives said they uncovered a history of alleged abuse involving Robinson and her children. The district attorney’s office stated that she had been “on supervision” for endangering the welfare of a child tied to prior instances of drug use in the presence of children.
Authorities also detailed events from the day before the child’s death, alleging the boy was bleeding and that Robinson made a threatening statement before physically harming him. According to investigators, she could be heard saying, “F— this little b— I’m going to hit him now, I’m tired of this little b— a— kid,” before allegedly dropping the child from her waist.
“The allegations in this case are both heartbreaking and deeply troubling,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said. “A child lost their life at the hands of those who had a fundamental responsibility to love, protect, and care for them. As a father, a coach and a citizen of Delaware County, I’m heartbroken.”
Robinson remains in custody and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday. Walton was denied bail during his arraignment and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28.
Delaware County child abuse case, Chester PA toddler death, Cynthia Robinson charges, Frank Walton Sr arrest, Butler Street investigation