SAN ANTONIO, TX – A San Antonio mother and her boyfriend were brought up on charges of abusing a 2-year-old boy and concealing his injuries over a period of months, including an incident in which the child suffered severe burns from boiling pasta water, police say.
Tyreesha Robinson, 32, and Devien Wheeler, 31, are both charged with injury to a child following an investigation that began after the boy was brought to a hospital with extensive burns and other injuries. Medical staff alerted authorities when they discovered the boy had not only suffered third-degree burns but was also recovering from a previously untreated broken arm that required surgery.
According to police, the young boy’s burns were consistent with hot liquid being poured from above, resulting in injuries to his head, neck, torso, and back. The evidence prompted investigators to interview Robinson, who admitted the boiling water incident took place in late May or early June. She told officers she refrained from seeking help or reporting the injuries out of fear for her children after Wheeler allegedly threatened to harm her family.
Court documents allege Wheeler, who was preparing spaghetti at the time, poured boiling water onto the toddler. Investigators concluded the pattern of burns indicated a deliberate act rather than an accident.
Robinson reportedly told authorities she believed Wheeler’s hostility toward her son stemmed from unresolved issues with the child’s biological father. Rather than seeking medical attention, Robinson attempted to treat the injuries at home using a first aid kit.
The abuse came to light after Robinson contacted police on August 22, reportedly showing them recent injuries sustained by her son and citing another assault by Wheeler. Officers responded to the apartment on Starcrest Drive, a location where police have previously been called for domestic disturbances.
When officers arrived, they found the boy with visible burns and other injuries. Robinson described hearing her son’s screams and finding him in the bathroom with his skin hot to the touch and covered in burns. Despite the severity of his injuries, she did not seek professional medical treatment until the situation escalated further.
Following their investigation, police arrested Robinson and Wheeler last Thursday. Both remain in custody at the Bexar County jail, with bond set at $250,000 for Robinson and $300,000 for Wheeler, according to jail records.
The suspects are each charged with injury to a child, elderly, or disabled individual with intent to cause serious bodily injury or mental impairment. The case underscores persistent concerns about unreported child abuse and highlights the importance of prompt intervention by medical and law enforcement personnel.
No further information has been released regarding the child’s current condition or custody status as the investigation continues.