An Oregon man has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for punching his 20-month-old son, causing life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Toddler Severely Injured in Stomach Assault
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On April 4, 2024, Joseph Washington allegedly punched his toddler twice in the stomach, causing a perforated small intestine. The boy, who was under his mother’s care, required emergency surgery after she took him to the hospital upon realizing how serious his condition was.
Washington was temporarily looking after the child at his girlfriend’s residence while the mother was at work. He allegedly contacted her, claiming the boy was “throwing up significantly,” but refused her plea to take the child right to the hospital. Medical personnel determined that the blunt force trauma caused the intestinal perforation, allowing liquids and air to flow into his abdomen, rendering it impossible for the infant to eat or digest food properly.
Admission of Abuse
Washington later admitted to the boy’s mother that he felt irritated because the child was “bothering him that night,” which prompted the assault.
Court Verdict and Sentence
Washington was sentenced to 121 months in prison on Friday after a jury convicted him of first-degree assault earlier this month.
Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga, who prosecuted the case, stated:
“The defendant’s violence nearly killed this child. Despite his attempts to ignore the child’s symptoms and persuading the mother to have the child go to sleep that night, her decision to take him to the hospital saved his life. The verdict in this case represents accountability for his gruesome behavior. Protecting children is what the community is tasked with, and I am thankful to the jury for reaching the proper conclusion and holding the defendant accountable in this case.”
Defendant’s Criminal History
Prosecutors said Washington has a lengthy criminal history, including assault, kidnapping, and child sex trafficking.
Life-Saving Intervention
Authorities praised the child’s mother for acting immediately, underlining that prompt medical attention can prevent fatal consequences in suspected abuse instances.
