HOUSTON – The couple charged in the death of a 2-year-old boy is due in court Tuesday.
Rajfik Dominique Keating, 24, and the boy's mother, Lynnette Monique Gasper, 25, are charged with aggravated assault - injury to a child family member. They are being held in the Harris County jail. Bond for each is set at $500,000.
On Saturday, officials said they responded to a call at the Reserve at Creekbend apartment complex in the 7600 block of Creekbend where they found the boy unable to breathe.
The child was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said.
Authorities said the child's death is being investigated by HPD homicide detectives due to suspicious circumstances and visible bruises on the child. During the couple's probable cause court appearance, it was revealed the child had numerous injuries on his back, arms, chest and legs and a doctor noted this was a case of severe child abuse.
According to court documents, the child had been hit with a hand and a belt, and had also suffered burns. Prosecutors said based on the investigation, the boy may have also been sexually assaulted.
Two other biological children of Gasper's -- an 8-month-old boy and a 5-year-old girl -- were removed by Child Protective Services.
CPS said it has no history with the family.
