A 21-year-old Texas woman is facing manslaughter and child injury charges after allegedly bathing her infant son in scalding water, leading to his death. Authorities say Jatoria Renae Cleamons of Texarkana acted out of frustration when the 8-month-old defecated in his diaper.
The tragic incident occurred on February 4 in Hooks, Texas, a small town about 15 miles west of Texarkana. Bowie County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a medic assist call and found emergency personnel performing CPR on the unresponsive child. Despite efforts, the infant could not be revived.
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Cleamons, who was staying with relatives at the time, reportedly admitted to becoming angry after her son soiled his diaper. The child suffered severe thermal injuries and died two weeks later. Justice of the Peace Jay Wommack ordered an autopsy, which confirmed the cause of death as scalding-related burns, ruling it a homicide.
A joint investigation involving the Hooks Police Department, Bowie County District Attorney’s Office, and Texarkana Police Department is ongoing. Cleamons remains in custody as prosecutors prepare their case, according to KSLA.
This case adds to a disturbing trend of child abuse incidents across the U.S. In Washington state, authorities continue searching for Travis Decker, a father accused of murdering his three young daughters during a court-ordered visitation. Meanwhile, an Ohio mother and her girlfriend were recently convicted in the brutal killing of her son, whose body was discovered wrapped in an attic.
In another case, a New York father allegedly threw his two-year-old son into the Bronx River in May. Advocates stress the need for stronger child protection measures as these tragedies highlight systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable children.
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Cleamons’ case has sparked outrage in the Texarkana community, with local leaders calling for increased support for struggling parents. “No child should suffer like this,” said one advocate. “We must do better to prevent such horrors.” As the investigation continues, Cleamons awaits trial, while the grieving family seeks justice for the innocent life lost.