Babysitter Detained After Infant Endures Severe Brain Trauma in Alleged Shaking Incident
A three-month-old boy has been left with devastating brain injuries and a dented skull following an incident where his babysitter is accused of shaking him so violently that one of his pupils ruptured. The case has shocked the community in Madera, central California, and prompted urgent warnings from authorities about the dangers of shaking infants.
Emergency Response and Arrest in Madera
Tonya Hamilton, aged 50, has been arrested on charges of felony child abuse after the infant in her care, Braxton Musselman, was discovered unresponsive. Deputies from the Madera County Sheriff's Office responded to a medical aid call involving the baby, who was swiftly transported to a local hospital for emergency head surgery. Hamilton allegedly contacted the child's parents via FaceTime, claiming she had fallen on the boy and smushed him, but medical professionals later determined that the injuries were inconsistent with any type of fall.
Severe Medical Consequences and Family's Ordeal
According to a fundraiser launched by Braxton's parents, Chris and Tori, the infant suffered a severe brain injury and a ruptured pupil. The brain injury necessitated two surgeries, with over 300 milliliters of blood drained to alleviate pressure. Due to the severity of the swelling, doctors had to remove the right half of his skull. After more than a week in the ICU, Braxton has had his breathing tube removed and is no longer under sedation, but he remains on multiple anti-seizure medications and has regained only minimal movement in his left extremities, initially paralyzed due to the brain damage.
Inconsistent Accounts and Legal Actions
The heartbroken parents recounted receiving a FaceTime call from Hamilton on January 13, where she initially stated she had fallen on Braxton and found him unresponsive. However, a doctor later informed them that the injuries were consistent with shaking, not a fall, leading to the involvement of Child Protective Services and law enforcement. The Madera County Sheriff's Office has emphasized that shaking a baby, even briefly, can cause permanent brain injury or death, urging overwhelmed caregivers to place infants in safe locations and seek help.
Community Support and Ongoing Recovery
A GoFundMe page set up for Braxton's family has raised nearly $45,000 to support his medical treatments and recovery. His parents describe him as a beautiful, sweet baby who deserves every chance to heal and thrive, expressing gratitude for donations, shares, and prayers. The case underscores the critical importance of reporting suspected child abuse to prevent such tragedies.
