Dad Beat, Burned 11-Month-Old, Cops Say

A 19-year-old St. Petersburg man faces criminal charges after police say he beat and burned his 11-month-old son.

Eric Joseph-Kareem Williams was charged with aggravated child abuse and violation of probation for carrying a concealed firearm after police say the infant was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon. A family acquaintance called paramedics out when the baby was found unresponsive at home.

“Upon further medical examination the child was found to have severe brain trauma that required emergency surgery,” an email from the police department to media stated. “Doctors also found severe burns on his body and bruising to his chest and face.”

Williams, the email said, told investigators the child suffered an accidental fall. He also said he had lone custody of the baby at the time the injuries occurred.

“A doctor determined that injuries to the brain and body were inconsistent with William’s explanation of events and were instead the of result child abuse,” the email said.

The baby remains in critical condition at All Children’s Hospital.

Williams was booked into the Pinellas County Jail Monday night and remained there without bond on Tuesday.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Jail