Arrest after disabled 10-year-old Texas boy suffers burns, put in coma
KERRVILLE, Texas – The family of a 10-year-old disabled child who is in a medically induced coma after suffering burns say they believe he was intentionally set on fire, reports CBS affiliate KENS.
One juvenile is under arrest in the case, charged with first-degree arson, but Fire Chief Dannie Smith told Crimesider that so far their investigation does not indicate anyone intended to harm Kayden Culp. Smith said four male juveniles were present during the incident. He said a fire was lit inside a vacant shed and an accelerant added to enhance the flames.
Culp’s aunt, Tanya Casper, told KENS that the boy was lured into an open field where one boy doused him with gasoline and another set him on fire.
“He wore a hearing aid, talked with a lisp… I mean, he was challenged from the get-go,” Casper said. “And for him to face this new challenge, it’s going to be overwhelming.
She added: “The kids are letting everyone know this was planned.”
According to Chief Smith the investigation into the incident is ongoing.