A Texas mother, Chelsea Berg, 30, and her boyfriend, Christopher Alexander, 30, have been charged with capital murder following the death of Berg’s 3-year-old son, Dawson Zamora, on December 7, 2025. Investigators found that Dawson endured weeks of abuse before his death.
The investigation started on October 14, 2025, when Alexander brought Dawson, unresponsive, to Medical City McKinney. Medical staff reported that the child’s injuries were severe and inconsistent with Alexander’s explanation of hearing a thud. An affidavit revealed Dawson had severe brain trauma, brain bleeding, bruises at various healing stages, and anal trauma.
Berg told police she left Dawson in Alexander’s care that morning before going to work and only learned about his condition after Alexander contacted her in panic. Alexander refused to explain the injuries and retained an attorney while at the hospital.
Texts obtained from their phones showed ongoing concern and accusations about Dawson’s worsening bruises and injuries during the month before hospitalization. Berg had warned Alexander that Dawson was being hurt and described him as dangerous to the child.
Initially, both were arrested in October on felony charges of injury to a child, with Alexander also charged with tampering with evidence. After Dawson’s death, the case was escalated to capital murder charges. Berg was re-arrested on December 8, and Alexander remains in custody.
Dawson’s biological father expressed heartbreak on social media, sharing that Dawson held on to live until his birthday, December 7, and calling for prayers amid the family’s grief. A family member’s GoFundMe described the severe abuse Dawson suffered and the expected long recovery before his death.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention when signs of harm are present.
