Two Texas women and another individual have been arrested in connection with severe injuries sustained by a two-month-old infant. According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, Sidney Whitt, 21, Jacqulun Morales, 29, and Morales' sister, Shelby Munoz, 18, have each been charged with endangering a child and injury to a child.
The investigation began on June 18 when Child Protective Services and hospital staff alerted the sheriff's office to an infant with injuries consistent with abuse. Detectives learned that on the night of June 16, Whitt and Morales allegedly left the children in Munoz's care while they went to a hotel to drink alcohol and use drugs. Before leaving, they are accused of locking the two-month-old baby, along with two older children aged four and six, inside a bedroom.
While the women were reportedly at the hotel, investigators claim the two older children gained access to the infant and assaulted them, causing life-threatening head injuries, including brain bleeding and seizures. Munoz allegedly admitted to not intervening, stating the children were not her responsibility. Authorities further allege that even upon returning home and observing the infant's condition, Whitt and Morales failed to seek immediate medical help. The infant did not receive treatment until June 18, two days after the alleged assault.
The infant was initially taken to a Tyler hospital before being airlifted to Children's Medical Center in Dallas. The baby remains on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. Medical staff documented severe facial bruising and other critical injuries.
During their investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. They reported finding unsanitary conditions, including a lack of air conditioning in the Texas heat, infestations, and floors covered with rat droppings, dirty diapers, and clothing. Evidence also suggested that children were routinely locked in a room when the mother left the house.
Whitt was arrested on Thursday, while Morales and Munoz were arrested last Tuesday. Each woman is being held on bonds totaling $500,000, with $250,000 for each charge. The investigation is ongoing.