GUYAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A 22-year-old woman in Ohio faces a lengthy prison sentence for her involvement in the physical abuse of two young girls, including forcing them into a dangerously hot bathtub that led to severe injuries. A Gallia County judge sentenced Malynda R. Harrison to eight to 11 years in prison following her conviction on two counts of child endangerment causing serious harm.
The incident unfolded on June 6, 2024, when local authorities responded to an emergency call about a medical issue involving a 5-year-old girl in the 17000 block of Hannan Trace Road, roughly 120 miles southeast of Columbus. The child was experiencing a seizure, and upon arrival, first responders found her suffering from extensive burns.
The young girl was immediately transported to a facility in Huntington for her injuries. Upon investigation, authorities determined Harrison was responsible for the child’s burns. Sheriff Matt Champlin stated that the injuries resulted from “intentional acts committed by an adult entrusted” with the children’s care.
Harrison was arrested on June 9, 2024, and charged following discussions with Prosecuting Attorney Jason Holdren. The investigation revealed that Harrison had been in a relationship with the children’s father and was caring for the children at the time of the incident.
In a grim admission, Harrison confessed to investigators that she had forced the 5-year-old and her 4-year-old sister into a bathtub filled with scalding hot water. She admitted to physically restraining the children to keep them in the tub, disregarding their pleas for relief.
This cruel act resulted in the 5-year-old experiencing “seizure activity” and second-degree burns, while the 4-year-old suffered first and second-degree burns. The heartbreaking case underscores the grave danger the children were subjected to under Harrison’s care.
In addition to her prison term, Harrison will also be subject to supervision by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for up to three years upon release, prosecutors announced, underscoring the severity of the case and its impact on the victims.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in abusive environments, and the legal repercussions for those who betray the trust placed in caregivers.