Infant severely burned, two suspects apprehended, according to BCSO
Two individuals have been apprehended and charged after a baby girl was discovered in critical condition, suffering from burns all over her small body, as reported by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Sheriff Javier Salazar provided an update on Monday afternoon, shedding light on the horrifying abuse this infant endured at the hands of her parents. BCSO deputies visited the hospital on Sunday, where the baby was receiving treatment, in order to ascertain the details surrounding the incident.
Initially, the case was being handled by the San Antonio Police until it was determined that the incident occurred within Bexar County, rather than within the city limits. The one-year-old baby was found with severe facial burns, as well as burns on her upper and lower body, which Sheriff Salazar believes were likely caused by a liquid that was either poured or spilled onto her on Friday, November 3. Shockingly, the parents did not seek immediate medical assistance for their daughter. Instead, they allegedly injected her with methamphetamine.
Amanda Mann, 31, identified as the baby’s mother, and Dustin Michael Lawrence, who BCSO confirmed is the baby’s father, were both taken into custody. According to the sheriff, on Friday, Mann contacted the baby’s father, informing him that she required burn ointment due to a pot of boiling water accidentally spilling onto the baby. The following day, November 4, when the baby woke up, her parents removed the sheets from her body, causing her skin to peel off along with the sheets. It was only then that they reached out to a family friend who advised them to seek medical care for the baby at the hospital.
BCSO deputies discovered three other children residing in the same household. These included a 2-year-old, a 6-year-old who also tested positive for methamphetamine, and an 8-year-old. Although the baby girl is still alive, she weighs only about 18 pounds, highlighting the severe impact of the abuse she endured.
Amanda Mann and Dustin Michael Lawrence now face multiple charges, including endangering a child, endangering a child risking bodily injury, injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury-reckless, and four counts of abandoning/endangering a child with intent, according to Bexar County Jail records. Each of their bonds has been set at $450,000.
This incident remains an ongoing investigation, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
In operation since 1950, KENS 5 has continuously strived to be the finest and most reliable source of news and entertainment for generations of San Antonians. Throughout the years, KENS 5 has introduced numerous groundbreaking elements to South Texas television. These include being the first local station to possess a helicopter, the first to possess its own Doppler radar, and the first to broadcast a local morning news program. As a result, KENS 5 has played a significant role in transforming local news, providing viewers with historical moments from the comfort of their homes. The station takes great pride in its legacy as it continues to serve the San Antonio community today.
KENS 5 remains committed to setting the standard in local broadcasting and has garnered recognition from its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that genuinely matter to the community. In addition to being available on KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, and the KENS 5 Roku and Fire TV apps, the station can also be accessed via various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For those wishing to contact someone at KENS 5, they can do so through the Contacts page on the station’s website or by emailing a member of the team.
