An 11-year-old Maryland girl is facing charges after a baby boy left in her care died from injuries she allegedly caused.
It started Saturday, February 23, when 1-year-old Paxton Davis was left in the care of his mother’s friend, according to NBC 4.
The adult babysitter then left Sunday morning to run an errand and put her 11-year-old daughter in charge of watching the baby boy, authorities said.
During that time, the girl allegedly inflicted severe injuries on the boy, causing his skull to crack.
The 11-year-old’s mother called 911 when she returned home but told Paxton’s mom, Tonya Davis, that he fell off a bed.
Davis told NBC 4 that she was suspicious of the mother’s story because her son’s injuries were so severe.
Police later confirmed that foul play was likely. Prince George’s County police Maj. Brian Reilly said at a press conference on Friday:
“When hospital staff took a look at our 1-year-old victim, they immediately called child abuse detectives due to the severity of his injuries. It was clear from the beginning that the injuries Paxton suffered were not consistent with the normal play of a 1-year-old.”
Paxton remained hospitalized for four days before passing away on Thursday.
The 11-year-old was arrested later that day after it was determined she was in “sole caring custody” of the baby at the time of his injuries, according to Fox 43.
She has been charged with first-degree child abuse but may be brought up on additional charges. Reilly said the 11-year-old’s motive to harm the baby is unclear:
“I don’t know what motive there would be in a situation like this for an 11-year-old to intentionally inflict injuries on a 1-year-old … There are no words. There is no reason for this to take place.”
Tonya thinks the girl’s mother should also be brought up on charges. Reilly said it wasn’t being ruled out:
“We are still looking at a lot of different things. I can’t say yes. I can’t say no.”
According to NBC 4, Maryland law states that children must be supervised by a person no younger than 13.
The 11-year-old is currently being held in a juvenile detention center. Her name has not been released publicly.
