3 Texans arrested for duct-taping malnourished 2-yr-old girl's ankles and depriving her of medical care
If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Maintenance workers discovered a malnourished child in an apartment in November, 2023. In the latest developments surrounding the investigation into the toddler's welfare, three Texans now face charges related to the abuse of the 2-year-old.
The child was found with her ankles taped together. Upon reviewing court documents, details about the toddler's health condition have come to light.
The individuals implicated in the case are Kenry Flukers, 23, Toniesha Deshae Perkins, 27, and Mya Jhari Breaux-McGruder, 17. All three have been arrested and accused of neglecting the toddler, injury and unlawful restraint.
Maintenance workers inform Houston Police
As per court records, maintenance workers, who were repairing the dishwasher in Perkins' apartment on November 28, heard the toddler crying in the living room.
Upon investigation, they observed the child covered in a blanket. The workers informed the Houston police that the girl's feet were tied, prompting them to take a photo and video before departing the apartment.
The 2-year-old girl in a Houston apartment was found malnourished and subjected to abuse, resulting in multiple injuries to her internal organs.
What did doctors say about the victim's health condition?
Two days later, a caseworker from Child Protective Services visited the apartment. Perkins shifted the blame onto the other two children residing in the unit, alleging they were responsible for tying up the toddler.
She asserted that the children often tied each other up and clarified that the 2-year-old is her cousin.
Despite the apparent good health of the other children in the apartment, the caseworker observed that the 2-year-old girl was malnourished.
Upon examination at Texas Children's Hospital, doctors diagnosed the toddler with acute kidney injury, head trauma, anemia, malnourishment, and multiple hemorrhages. The girl also exhibited bradycardia, indicating a slow heart rate.
Medical professionals informed the police that they suspected the girl's kidney injury and anemia were consequences of dehydration, as indicated in court records. They also suggested that the head trauma might be attributed to shaking.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the girl's weight was equivalent to that of a 1-year-old, according to court documents.
One of the doctors conveyed to the police that the girl wouldn't have survived the night if she hadn't been hospitalized. The doctors further indicated that some of the injuries had occurred a week or two before the girl's admission.
Detectives question 3 Texans
(KHOU screengrab)
Detectives established that Kenry Flukers was Toniesha Deshae Perkins' boyfriend and had been residing with her since September 2023.
Flukers admitted to the police that the girl appeared "small," revealing her rib cage. He claimed that he never witnessed her being duct-taped around her ankles, only around her hands.
Flukers alleged that Perkins used duct tape on the girl's hands because she would access the refrigerator, trash can, and pantry without permission.
When questioned about the abuse suffered by the child, Flukers stated he didn't know and suggested it could have been done either by Perkins or Breaux-McGruder.
Breaux-McGruder, identified as the victim girl's aunt, underwent an interview with a detective on December 1.
During the recorded session, she disclosed living at the apartment with Perkins, Flukers, and the children since September. Although she typically attends school during the day, attendance records revealed several absences from October to December.
Similar to Flukers, Breaux-McGruder initially claimed not to have seen the girl's ankles duct-taped. However, her narrative changed upon learning about the maintenance workers' photo, stating that she was present in the apartment during the work order.
She asserted covering the toddler because one of the maintenance workers was looking at her "funny" and removed the duct tape when they left.
Detectives interviewed two other children in the residence who disclosed that the girl sleeps on the floor and frequently removes tape from her arms, legs, and mouth.
They accused Breaux-McGruder of disciplining the girl for removing the tape. Another child mentioned a lock on the fridge to prevent the girl from taking food.
In an interview with authorities, the mother of the girl, who resides out of state, revealed that she entrusted care of the child to Perkins.
Flukers and Perkins are currently in custody with $125,000 bonds, while Breaux-McGruder is incarcerated with an unspecified bond amount, records indicate.
