3 Year Old Scalded in Hot Shower: Florida Woman Faces Charges

Police were called to the emergency room at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, which is 40 miles north of Orlando, on Monday by the Florida Department of Children and Families after a 3 year old was scolded while taking a shower. Police said the boy, Tarell Davis, had burns to 60 percent of his back and several slash marks to his legs, and they said they have evidence of repeated, brutal episodes of physical abuse.

The child's guardian, Modesty Young, 24, is charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect and her bond was set at $5,000 on the Lake County Sheriffs Office website. Young, who police have said is the boy's aunt, told investigators she was showering with the boy when she walked out to throw something away. Young said when she came back she noticed steam coming from the shower and saw the toddler being burned by the water. Police said it took Young at least two days to seek medical treatment for the child.
The police report said that Davis had a "large liquid burn on his back, two black eyes, scratch marks on his body and circular bruises on his arms, chest and legs."

Police said that a neighbor called state child abuse investigators to report the boy had been scalded several days earlier and that his guardian at the time, Young, refused to take him to a hospital. Young told police she didn't bring the child to the hospital sooner because she's been refused treatment for him in the past since she's not his legal guardian.
Police said Davis is out of intensive care and will be placed in foster care thru the Florida Department of Children and Families.

According to family members, Davis' mother lives in Bradenton, Florida. Young's sister, Tanika Young, disputes the charges. She denied that her sister abused their nephew.
"I haven't seen it or heard of it. He didn't look like he had any bruises," she said. "I mean, I baby sit him Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I haven't seen anything."