HOOKS, TX – Authorities in Northeast Texas are searching for a 21-year-old mother accused of causing the death of her infant son after allegedly immersing him in a bath of scalding water, police said Saturday.
Jatoria Cleamons, formerly of Texarkana, is facing charges of injury to a child and manslaughter in the death of her eight-month-old son, Courtlyn Cleamons. The child died on Feb. 4, several days after sustaining severe burns authorities believe were inflicted intentionally.
Police and Bowie County sheriff’s deputies responded that day to a call for medical assistance at a home on Kennedy Circle in Hooks. When first responders arrived, they found medics performing CPR on the child, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
According to the medical examiner’s report, an autopsy revealed that Courtlyn died as a result of thermal injuries consistent with severe burns. Police say that an investigation quickly shifted to a homicide probe.
Detectives allege that Cleamons admitted to bathing her son in extremely hot water at a Texarkana residence roughly two weeks prior to his death. Investigators believe the act was prompted by her frustration after the child soiled a diaper.
Hooks Police are working in coordination with Texarkana authorities in their efforts to locate the suspect. They have issued warrants for Cleamons’ arrest and urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.
In online postings following Courtlyn’s death, Cleamons expressed grief over her loss, sharing tributes to her son on social media. Friends and family remembered the infant as a source of love and happiness in their lives.
Courtlyn’s body was transferred to the Southwest Institute of Forensics for autopsy, which provided crucial evidence in the ongoing criminal investigation.
As of Sunday, Cleamons remained at large. Police continue to appeal to the public for tips as their search for her intensifies.
Authorities stress that child safety remains a top priority and that anyone with knowledge of Cleamons’ location should call 911 immediately. The investigation remains ongoing.