16-month-old boy with significant injuries all over his body dies in hospital; the horrific truth the foster mother was trying to hide was revealed by doctors
A woman stands accused of the tragic death of her young foster child. This deeply unsettling case casts a shadow over the foster care system, presenting a bleak tableau of child maltreatment. The extent of the child’s injuries, as evidenced in court, is profoundly disturbing. This report examines the case’s intricacies and the investigative outcomes.
Cassidy L., a 25-year-old former foster mother, was found guilty on two counts of child abuse, which led to the untimely passing of her 16-month-old foster child, Thomas E. B., in 2019. Official reports indicated that Thomas often had visible injuries in the months preceding his death.
Her ex-partner, 27-year-old Vincent J., faced similar charges post Thomas’ death. Vincent opted for a plea agreement, acknowledging guilt to one count of child abuse resulting in death, recognized as a Class 3 felony. His acceptance led to a 12-year prison term, contingent on his testimony against Cassidy. The remainder of the charges against him were subsequently dropped.
District Attorney Michael D. acknowledged the gravity of the case and praised the efforts of the judicial system in a statement: “This defendant and her co-defendant extinguished the life of a beautiful little boy. We appreciate the jurors… They did an outstanding job with this very tragic case.”
Records reveal that on April 22, 2019, at around 5:47 p.m., an emergency call reported a non-responsive toddler at a residence. First responders reached the scene to find Cassidy administering CPR to the visibly bruised Thomas. He was rushed to a medical facility, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries two days later.
One first responder recounted Cassidy’s claim that Thomas was already receiving medical care for his bruises. Some responders described the house as unclean with a strong smell of feces and cat urine.
Medical experts identified injuries, including brain hemorrhages, multiple fractured ribs, and damage to liver and spleen, consistent with abuse. They noted old and fresh rib fractures, pointing to continuous abuse.
Cassidy, during her interactions with authorities, provided explanations for some of the injuries. She cited instances like Thomas hitting his head and episodes of illness. Vincent said he had spanked the boy on the day he died and mentioned possibly squeezing him too hard. Both foster parents attributed some of Thomas’ injuries to his “sensory problems,” suggesting he often hurt himself.
Yet, Cassidy’s text messages revealed growing frustration towards the child. Medical professionals contested the self-infliction theory, noting the injuries were too significant. The post-mortem concluded that the cause of death was “blunt force injuries.”
Post these findings, Vincent alleged consistent maltreatment of Thomas by Cassidy. He shared that as time went on, Thomas appeared increasingly despondent.
“After a while, the last couple of times she tossed him, Thomas would just land and sit there with his hands in his lap,” Vincent said, per the court documents. He also claimed that after being thrown, Thomas would “just be depressed and would cry to himself” because he had accepted “he’s not getting any love from the person he wants to be loved by.” Vincent’s statement also recalled the evening of the child’s death, asserting that Cassidy had been heavily intoxicated and had expressed remorse.
Cassidy awaits her sentencing on Oct. 30. Indications from the District Attorney’s Office suggest a potential prison term spanning between 16 to 48 years.
