A 2-year-old boy has died after police say his father beat him inside a Queens hotel being used as a shelter.
Maliek Williams had been on a ventilator for several days after suffering severe brain injuries. His mother, Cyndy Williams, confirmed his death Thursday in a social media post, writing, “My baby is gone… I have nothing else to say. I’m done.”
Williams has been receiving support from the nonprofit organization We All Really Matter, known as WARM, which assists victims of domestic violence.
What You Need To Know
A 2-year-old boy has died after suffering severe brain injuries police say were caused by his father
Prosecutors allege the father delayed seeking medical help despite visible injuries
The child was hospitalized with a fractured pelvis, damaged brain stem and multiple brain bleeds
The Queens DA says charges against the father will now be upgraded following the child’s death
“There’s so many mothers out there like Cyndy. There’s so many little boys out there like Maliek right now that’s crying out. And their cries are going silent. We can no longer stand by and allow this silence to continue because we know that it hides. Silence hides violence,” said WARM CEO Stephanie McGraw.
The boy’s father, Dayvon Morrison, was arraigned Wednesday on attempted murder and assault charges. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.
According to the criminal complaint, Morrison admitted he was alone with his son last Friday night inside the Manhattan View Hotel in Long Island City, which is operating as a shelter, and said he was intoxicated. Prosecutors said Morrison told investigators he woke up the next morning and saw multiple bruises on the child’s face.
Instead of seeking medical help, Morrison allegedly placed Maliek in a stroller Saturday morning and traveled to East Harlem to drop off his other child. Prosecutors say witnesses noticed the toddler’s condition and called 911.
Police said officers responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. Monday on East 102nd Street in East Harlem. Maliek was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital with multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, a damaged brain stem and multiple brain bleeds.
“What my prayers is what happened to Cyndy’s son will not happen to another woman in this city,” McGraw said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services said, “The safety and well-being of New York City children is our top priority. We are investigating this tragedy with the NYPD and we offer our deepest condolences to Maliek’s family and loved ones.”
The Queens District Attorney’s Office said that now that the child has died, the charges against Morrison will be upgraded.