A 16-month-old baby died Wednesday morning and deputies believe the toddler was physically abused by his mother’s live-in boyfriend.
30-year-old Clifton A. Frazier has been charged with aggravated child neglect, but those charges are expected to be upgraded with the death of 16-month-old Torey Dymond.
Orange County investigators say, Torey was brought to Florida Hospital East around 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, in critical condition, suffering from a multiplicity of injuries. There was bruising to the baby’s forehead, eyelids and neck and bleeding on the brain, among other injuries. Doctors told investigators there were suspicious signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Torey, who was unable to breath on his own, but only with the help of a respirator, was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital and died shortly after 8:00 a.m., Wednesday morning.
Frazier told investigators he had taken Torey out for a walk in his stroller, but that he had gotten out and was pushing it. That’s when he fell twice, hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk. He denied every abusing the toddler.
See Clifton Frazier Arrest Affidavit Here.
Torey’s mother, Rosalia Poirier told investigators, she immediately saw a change in her son when Frazier returned home with the child, about two hours later. She said she noticed her son’s face was purple and blue and his body was lifeless.
Poirier also told detectives it was her belief that Frazier had hurt Torey, as there were bruises on his face. She said, Frazier had been abusive to her and that he was addicted to crack/cocaine and alcohol.
Frazier was booked into the Orange County Jail without bond.
