Ohio grandmother sentenced for bathing 2-year-old in scalding hot water, causing 'horrific injuries'

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio (TCD) -- A 51-year-old woman will spend seven to 10 1/2 years in prison after causing severe burn injuries to her 2-year-old grandchild after the victim soiled her diaper.

According to a May 2 news release from Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell, a judge handed down the sentence against Lashawnda Walters after she previously pleaded guilty to endangering children and tampering with evidence.

On the morning of March 30, 2023, the 2-year-old girl, who lived with Walters, soiled her diaper. Following the accident, Fornshell said, "Walters assaulted the girl and placed her in a bath with water temperatures reaching up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit."

Walters’ granddaughter sustained second- and third-degree burns to "over 17% of her body, including her feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, and vaginal area."

Walters reportedly waited more than five hours before bringing the victim to the hospital for medical care. According to the prosecutor’s office, the toddler had to be transported from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — Liberty Campus to Shriners Children’s Ohio in Cincinnati for surgical grafting to replace the skin damaged by the hot water.

The prosecutor’s office said police learned Walters had also deleted video evidence from inside the home to hide her crimes.

Walters remains held in the Warren County Jail. 

Fornshell commented, "My heart goes out not only to this little girl but to everyone involved in this case who had to view the photographs of the horrific injuries Walters caused to that precious child."

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