Photo: Johnathan N. Davis
SAN LEANDRO — Police arrested a man suspected of brutally assaulting a 6-year-old boy while babysitting. Horrifically abused and battered, the child required brain surgery and is clinging to life.
Something terrible happened while the child was with the babysitter. Several hours later, the babysitter and child’s mother brought the unconscious boy to a hospital on November 21st.
However, authorities say neither of them has since adequately explained what happened.
“There is definitely more to this story than we know at this time. We have a helpless, defenseless child clinging to life. And neither parental figure can give us a straight answer as to what happened,” said police in a prepared statement.
According to San Leandro detectives, the child apparently suffered from ongoing mental and physical abuse. Medical reports from doctors indicate the child’s most recent injuries were inflicted—not accidental.
During the time of the incident, 23-year-old Johnathan N. Davis was babysitting his girlfriend’s little boy. Davis routinely cared for the six-year-old boy, and his own 15-month-old daughter from another relationship.
Davis insists the boy fell down a flight of stairs and bumped his head. Yet, the severity of the boy’s injuries cannot be attributed to an accidental fall, according to medical experts.
During the investigation, Davis and the victim’s mother became uncooperative. Subsequently, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Davis, who was taken into custody on November 29th. Davis is being held at Santa Rita Jail ineligible for release on bail.
Davis’ charges include assault on a child causing brain injury or paralysis. Moreover, he is charged with child abuse, and inflicting great bodily injury.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Davis is scheduled to appear in court December 14th for a plea hearing. Anyone with information can call San Leandro detectives at 510-577-3241.
