Three women in Texas are facing serious criminal charges after authorities alleged that a two-month-old infant sustained life-threatening injuries while being left in the care of young children inside a home.
According to investigators, the baby remains hospitalized in critical condition at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, where doctors continue to provide intensive treatment.
The infant was first taken to a hospital in Tyler before being transferred by air for specialized medical care.
Investigation Began Following Hospital Report
The case came to the attention of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office after Child Protective Services and medical personnel contacted authorities on June 18.
Hospital staff reported that the infant’s injuries appeared consistent with possible child abuse, prompting an immediate criminal investigation.
Detectives interviewed family members and others connected to the household before securing a search warrant for the residence.
Authorities Describe Troubling Living Conditions
Investigators said their search uncovered what they described as unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.
According to the sheriff’s office, the home lacked air conditioning despite extreme summer temperatures and contained fly infestations, animal waste, dirty diapers and scattered clothing throughout the residence.
Authorities also alleged that children living in the home were frequently confined to a bedroom whenever their mother left the house, with another adult assigned to supervise them.
Alleged Events Under Investigation
Detectives allege that on the night of June 16, the two mothers left the residence after placing the children in the care of a third adult.
Investigators claim the women went to a nearby hotel, where they spent the evening drinking alcohol and using drugs.
Before leaving, authorities allege they placed the infant in a bedroom with two other young children and locked the room.
During their absence, investigators believe the older children entered the room where the baby had been left, resulting in injuries that prosecutors say were severe enough to place the infant’s life at risk.
The allegations remain part of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Authorities Allege Delay in Seeking Medical Care
According to investigators, the adults returned home and discovered the infant had been seriously injured but did not immediately seek emergency treatment.
Authorities allege the child was not taken to the hospital until June 18, approximately two days after the reported incident.
Medical staff documented significant injuries before arranging for the infant’s transfer to a specialist pediatric hospital in Dallas, where the child remains on a ventilator in a medically induced coma.
Three Women Arrested and Charged
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office identified the defendants as 21-year-old Sidney Whitt, 29-year-old Jacqulun Morales and 18-year-old Shelby Munoz.
Each has been charged with injury to a child and child endangerment.
Investigators allege Munoz, who was supervising the children while the mothers were away, failed to intervene during the incident.
Authorities said she later told detectives that she did not believe the children were her responsibility.
Bonds Set at $500,000 Each
Morales and Munoz were arrested on Tuesday, while Whitt was taken into custody two days later.
According to the sheriff’s office, each woman is being held on bonds totaling $500,000, with $250,000 assigned to each of the two charges they face.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence surrounding the circumstances that led to the infant’s injuries.
No additional charges have been announced, and the allegations against the three defendants have not yet been tested in court.
