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Waynesburg Parents Jailed, Accused Of Abusing Toddler

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A couple from Waynesburg is in jail after police say they abused their toddler for eight months.

Brandon Litten, 22, and 23-year-old Nikia Harris have been charged on multiple counts of child endangerment and a long list of related charges.

"We were approached by the maternal grandfather, and he stated his grandson had multiple injuries," said Officer Lisa Snowden, of the Waynesburg Police Department. "Upon him coming out of the car, you could readily see his injuries."
 
The 2-year-old child, named Chase, was treated for a list of injuries.

At first, police say Litten told investigators it was from horseplay.

"He had stated that at times he would play with the child by picking him up by his head and swinging him between his legs," said Officer Snowden.

But eventually, police say Litten admitted that wasn't what happened.

"He said he was frustrated with the child, that he was trying to get him to lay down because he wouldn't go to sleep, and that's when he held his head into the pillow," Officer Snowden said.

The alleged abuse happened inside the home Litten shares with the mother's child, Nikia Harris.

Harris allegedly told police conflicting information on how the little boy broke his leg.

"The stories did not match up," said Officer Snowden.

Litten faces aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children charges. He's being held on $50,000 bond.

Harris faces endangering the welfare of children charges, as well as counts of giving a false statement to police. She's being held on $15,000 bond.

The child is expected to recover and is in the care of relatives.

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