In a terrible occurrence in Missouri, a 10-month-old kid named Waylon is now suffering from severe and life-changing injuries reportedly caused by his mother’s fiancé. The event has sparked discussions about child safety and the critical significance of safeguarding the most vulnerable.
On September 14, about 8 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a troubling call from a home. The caller reported a baby that wasn’t breathing. When first responders arrived on the site, they discovered Waylon unconscious but still breathing. The urgency of the issue necessitated a swift transfer to a hospital, and he was eventually transferred to a children’s hospital for specialized care.
Upon arrival at the children’s hospital, medical personnel noticed noticeable marks on Waylon’s forehead and ear. Given his serious condition, a full-body x-ray was deemed too dangerous; nevertheless, a CT scan revealed two minor brain bleeds and collapsed lungs, indicating significant damage. These disturbing findings prompted medical personnel to inform police, suspecting foul play.
J. Boggess, Waylon’s mother’s 28-year-old fiancé, emerged as the case’s key suspect. Law enforcement investigators discovered Boggess sleeping at home and, after waking him and delivering his Miranda rights, heard the horrifying circumstances of the occurrence.
Boggess admitted to “tossing” Waylon in the air in an attempt to console him after the toddler vomited and cried. Unfortunately, Waylon tripped and hurt his head during one of these tosses. Boggess admits to “bear hugging” the infant too firmly in a desperate attempt to calm him, which most likely exacerbated the baby’s injuries.
Waylon’s medical team diagnosed him with severe brain injuries and other indicators of physical abuse. Boggess was ultimately arrested and charged with felony child abuse. He is still in the county jail, being held without bond.
The consequences of this abuse have been terrible. T. Burbridge, Waylon’s father, has spoken out about the seriousness of his son’s health, stating that he has “basically been reset to a newborn.” The child is now unable to see, sit up, or elevate his head without assistance, and he will need to undergo extensive physical therapy and recuperation.
“He has basically been reset to a newborn,” Burbridge said in an interview, expressing his grief at the irrevocable harm done to his kid. “He basically killed my son. He took away my son’s future. “You don’t toss a baby into the air,” he concluded, reflecting Boggess’ tremendous betrayal and the gravity of his acts.
Waylon was released from the hospital on October 24 and is now recovering at home under the care of his mother. The family stays focused on his recovery, expecting to see progress in his capacity to regain fundamental motor functions and, eventually, a normal life.
The case will continue through the judicial system, with Boggess slated to appear in court on December 13. The community, while relieved by the arrest, is still rattled by the brutality and senselessness of the violence against a helpless youngster.
This case has also spurred broader conversations about the indicators of child abuse, caregiver obligations, and the vital necessity for intervention in instances involving at-risk children.
As Waylon’s struggle continues, it serves as a devastating reminder of the importance of being vigilant in protecting children from harm and the serious ramifications of abuse.