Austin Woman Charged For Allegedly Punching Toddler Son In Face

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — An Austin woman was arrested this week after allegedly punching her toddler in the face, according to a newly released affidavit.

Referencing the arrest affidavit, the Austin American-Statesman reported that police were called just before 3:15 a.m. Monday to the Crossland Economy Studios, an extended-stay hotel, at 12621 Hymeadow Drive in Northwest Austin. The caller heard a child screaming at the stairwell of the hotel, located in a portion of Austin located in Williamson County.

According to the report, the witness told police she saw the woman strike her son with "full force"across his left eye, according to the report, while screaming at the 3-year-old boy: "I hate you! I hate you!" According to the affidavit, the toddler, meanwhile, replied: "I"m sorry mommy. Don't hit me."

The witness also told police she saw the woman grab her son by the arm before dragging him partially down the stairs. The child was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, where he was found to have an injured left eye and red marks to his neck, according to the affidavit. A pair of bite marks and some brusing to the boy's right arm, side and lower back also were detected, according to the report.

Meagan Shirley Turner, 29, was charged with injury to a child — a third-degree felony punishable by up to a decade behind bars. Meagan Shirley Turner, 29, was charged with injury to a child — a third-degree felony punishable by up to a decade behind bars — with bail set at $20,000.

According to Williamson County Jail records, Turner has a long history of run-ins with the law dating to 2007 and ranging from driving while intoxicated to public intoxication.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

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Meagan Turner booking photo via Williamson County Jail records