In a disturbing incident, three individuals are behind bars, accused of subjecting a 2-year-old girl to unthinkable abuse.
Kenry Flukers, 23, Toniesha Perkins, 27, and Mya Breaux-McGruder, 17, now face charges of injury to a child and unlawful restraint of a minor.
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The horrifying discovery was made by maintenance workers who were at Perkins’ apartment on November 28 to fix a dishwasher. As they worked, they heard the cries of a toddler emanating from the living room. When they investigated, they were met with a heartbreaking sight – the child, duct-taped and covered with a blanket. Disturbed by what they saw, the workers took a photo and video before leaving the apartment, later reporting the incident to the Houston police.
Child Protective Services responded to the apartment two days later. Perkins attempted to deflect blame onto the other children living in the unit, alleging that they often tied up the toddler themselves. However, the caseworker observed the malnourished state of the 2-year-old, prompting further investigation.
Upon examination at Texas Children’s Hospital, doctors revealed the extent of the child’s injuries, including acute kidney injury, bilateral subdural hemorrhages, anemia, malnourishment, subconjunctival hemorrhages, and retinal hemorrhages. The girl’s weight was equivalent to that of a 1-year-old when she arrived at the hospital, according to court documents.
The severity of the condition led doctors to believe that the child’s life was in imminent danger when she arrived at the hospital. A doctor informed the police that it is possible the child would not have survived the night if she hadn’t been brought to the hospital.
Detectives interviewed Flukers, Perkins’ boyfriend, and he confirmed the child’s emaciated state. Flukers claimed Perkins duct-taped the child’s hands to prevent her from accessing the refrigerator, trash can, and pantry. He admitted to never witnessing the ankles being taped.
Breaux-McGruder, identified as the child’s aunt, initially denied knowledge of the duct-taping but changed her story after learning about the maintenance workers’ evidence. She confessed to covering the toddler during the workers’ visit and removing the duct tape afterward, claiming it was the first time she had seen the child in such a state.
Interviews with other children in the home painted a grim picture of the toddler’s living conditions. They disclosed that the girl slept on the floor, regularly removing tape from her arms, legs, and mouth. The children also revealed that the 2-year-old “gets popped” when attempting to remove the tape and that a lock on the fridge prevented her from accessing food.
The mother of the abused child, who resides out of state, admitted to relinquishing care, custody, and control of her daughter to Perkins.
The three suspects await legal proceedings for their alleged heinous actions against the innocent toddler.