Child Dies In Denver, Grandfather Says 'I Didn't Do What I Was Supposed To Do'
DENVER (CBS4) - Police in Denver on Wednesday were investigating the death of a toddler.
The boy's grandfather, Earl Lampley, told CBS4 the boy's name was Javion Johnson and that he was 23 months old.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. the boy's mother's boyfriend and his brother allegedly took the child to St. Joseph Hospital while she was at work. He was pronounced dead there.
Earl Lampley said he suspected something was wrong at the apartment where the boy lived, which is near the intersection of Franklin Street and 17th Avenue. Johnson lived there with his mother, his mother's boyfriend (who is not Johnson's father) and three siblings.
Earl Lampley said he feels like if he had contacted police with his concerns his grandson might still be alive.
""This is the second incident. On the Fourth of July I didn't say (anything). He had a burn mark on his leg. I thought they would handle it. I didn't do what I was supposed to do, and now he ain't here," said Earl Lampley, who said he saw a deep burn mark on the boy's leg and didn't take the child to the hospital because he was concerned his daughter, Candace, "would've gotten mad and Social Services would have gotten involved."
So far no suspects have been named in the case and the types of injuries Johnson died from haven't been disclosed. A source told CBS4 the victim suffered multiple injuries at various stages of healing.
Earl Lampley later said police showed him pictures of Johnson with serious burns on his legs, in between his thighs, on his genitals and bottom.
Earl Lampley said the mother's boyfriend is missing but police said they aren't actively looking for somebody. Police have been interviewing his brother.
"Hopefully it was an accident … I just miss him," said Candace Lampley's sister.
Earl Lampley said he's convinced it wasn't an accident, but stopped short of accusing his daughter or her boyfriend.
Denver police say it's a criminal investigation not an accident investigation. The death is suspicious but they aren't certain if there will be charges.
Candace Lampley's three other children are with protective services.
There is a candlelight vigil planned at the child's house located at 1705 Franklin Wednesday from 7:30-8 p.m.
