Police, CPS Investigating Toddler's Death Who Suffered Burns
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Haltom City police are investigating a 2-year-old's death after seeing suspicious burns on the toddler's body. Even worse, his injuries were left untreated for days, according to the child's maternal grandparents. His Monday morning death may result in charges against a family member.
"The injuries that he sustained actually happened six to eight days before an ambulance was even called," said the boy's grandfather, Mike Hamilton.
The little boy, named Lyfe Flores, was scheduled to receive a skin graft at Parkland Hospital in Dallas Tuesday, but died when his heart stopped before he had the procedure.
"It was a horrific and senseless death," said Mike Hamilton about the little boy described as a "happy kid".
Mike and Kim Hamilton were at the hospital during the child's last days spent in agony.
"He just didn't have the energy to cry or anything else," said Mike Hamilton, of the little boy they called Gabe. "He would look at you, and he would whine a little once in a while."
Click Here For Lyfe's GoFundMe Page
Haltom City police were called to the home of Lyfe's paternal grandmother Wednesday night, where they said he had suffered burns to his hands, feet and rear. Lyfe was also missing two front teeth and had knots and bruises on the back of his head, according to Mike and Kim Hamilton.
Police said Lyfe's other grandmother had temporary custody of him and his sister. Child Protective Services has confirmed the department was involved.
"…Very devastating‚ I mean, these are your grandkids. You're supposed to take care of them. I feel like a failure. I want my baby back," said Kim Hamilton.
Additionally, the Hamiltons are fighting for custody of Lyfe's 6-month-old sister, Faith, who's currently in foster care.
Police and child protective services are waiting on an autopsy report, which is due out Wednesday to see if Lyfe's death was caused by abuse.
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