Mother's Husband Charged In Suspected Abuse Case
BURRELL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- There are new developments in a case of suspected child abuse in Indiana County.
The 20-month-old victim remains in Children's Hospital clinging to life while his stepfather sits in jail, charged with assaulting him.
Medics rushed Malachi Patterson to the hospital Friday after a 911 call that the toddler was unresponsive at an apartment in the Chestnut Ridge housing complex near Blairsville.
He had bruises on his head, face and torso that doctors said were not the result of an accident.
The mother's husband, who is not the boy's biological father, is charged with three counts in connection with the alleged abuse.
Juan Campbell, 27, told police he did not abuse the child.
He is charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment.
Neighbor Ricky Blazek told KDKA's Kym Gable: "I'm glad he was arrested. My neighbor was telling me about when they brought the little boy out. They had him covered in a sheet."
Meanwhile, doctors are trying to do everything they can for the young victim.
"Essentially, I've been told he's clinging to life," said Indiana District Attorney Patrick Dougherty. "So, it's minute-by-minute is what I'm told."
He told KDKA his office is handling this as a "very serious case of abuse."
The boy's mother was not home at the time. She was in the hospital after giving birth to another child.
RELATED LINKS:
Police Investigate Alleged Beating Of Blairsville Toddler (5/17/13)
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