Child shows signs of "torture," few signs of who he is

Police in Tacoma are trying to unravel the identity of a toddler who was dropped off at a hospital showing signs of "significant torture."

The woman who took the boy to the hospital told Pierce County Sheriff's deputies that a stranger had dropped off the toddler and a diaper bag at her house on Sunday, and gave her a dire warning: Take the boy, or I'll kill him.

When she took him to a hospital, medical staff found evidence of serious child abuse, and estimated the boy's age at about 22 months, said Sheriff's Sgt. Ed Troyer. They believe the boy's name is Javon, or something similar, he said. The boy is in serious condition.

The woman said she'd never seen the boy before, and doesn't know his parents. Troyer said detectives don't believe they are getting "the full story" from the woman, but she has not been arrested. Detectives have heard "conflicting stories" about the boy's parents and caregivers, he said.

"With the injuries on the baby, we're guessing the people caring for the baby aren't willing to stand up and claim responsibility for him," said Troyer. "There are obviously injuries that a kid could not get on their own."

The name of the hospital was not disclosed for security reasons, Troyer said, and the nature of the injuries was withheld for investigative purposes.

The diaper bag left with the woman included age-appropriate baby clothes, suggesting he'd been cared for.

Thomas Shapley, a spokesman for the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), said Child Protective Services was working with the Sheriff's Department. "We're trying to figure out who he is — who he is, and who his family members are," said Shapley.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, DSHS could request a court order seeking custody and transferring him to foster care, Shapley said.

Detectives are asking for help identifying the boy, his caregivers and who may have caused his injuries. The boy is African American, and was left at a house in the 1000 block of 73rd Street Court. Call Crime Stoppers at 253-591-5959 if you have information about this case.

Jonathan Martin: 206-464-2605 or jmartin@seattletimes.com