Beaumont, TX – A 28-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly inflicting severe injuries on his girlfriend’s one-year-old daughter. Howard Dewayne Walker Jr. was arrested following an incident that occurred while the child’s mother was at a doctor’s appointment.
Police responded around 1 p.m. Tuesday to a hospital where the child arrived in critical condition. Medical staff noted that the girl showed signs consistent with child abuse and subsequently airlifted her to a Houston hospital.
An arrest affidavit indicated that the girl was intubated and had severe facial swelling, bruising, and multiple burn-like lesions. Blood was also found around her left ear.
Prior to the incident, the child’s mother had left her and another child in Walker’s care around 10 a.m. He later texted her about the situation, prompting family members to visit the home.
Witnesses reported that the girl was unresponsive and had visible injuries, including a swollen eye. They observed Walker applying a frozen orange juice can to her face.
Upon arrival, officers noted the strong smell of bleach and found evidence of an attempt to clean up blood. Walker was initially detained on unrelated municipal warrants.
During questioning, he first denied being present when the child sustained her injuries, blaming a babysitter and then his girlfriend. He later admitted to being the only adult with the girl at the time but claimed her injuries were due to an allergic reaction.
Medical professionals informed detectives that the child’s injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma and required significant force. She was later found to have facial fractures, a liver laceration, and active internal bleeding.
The toddler is currently listed in critical condition. Walker remains in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility with a bond set at $1 million.