Howard Dewayne Walker Jr., 28, from Beaumont, Texas, faces a first-degree felony charge of injury to a child with serious bodily injury after allegedly severely beating his girlfriend’s 1-year-old daughter on December 16, 2025. The child arrived at a local hospital in critical condition around 1 p.m., showing signs of abuse including severe facial swelling, bruising, burn-like lesions, and internal injuries, leading to her airlift to a Houston hospital. Walker remains in Jefferson County Correctional Facility on a $1 million bond, with conditions including no contact with the victim or family if released.​
Incident Details
Police responded to the hospital after the child was brought in unresponsive and gasping, with witnesses reporting patterned bruising on her face, chest, and abdomen. The mother had left the child and another sibling with Walker before a doctor’s appointment for pregnancy pain; he later texted her about the incident. At the home, officers noted a strong bleach smell, wet floors, and a mop, suggesting an attempt to clean blood.​
Injuries and Medical Findings
The girl suffered facial fractures, a grade 5 liver laceration, pancreatic injury, and active internal bleeding from blunt force trauma requiring significant force. Doctors ruled out accidental causes or Walker’s claims of an allergic reaction. She remains in critical condition at a Houston hospital, such as Texas Children’s.​
Walker’s Statements
Walker initially denied being home, blaming a babysitter or his girlfriend, then admitted he was alone with the child. Witnesses saw him applying a frozen orange juice can to her swollen face. Post-Miranda, he provided no plausible explanation for the injuries.​
Legal Status
Arrested on December 18, 2025, Walker faces up to life in prison if convicted. The Beaumont Police Special Crimes Unit continues investigating; tips can be submitted anonymously to (409) 832-1234 or Crime Stoppers.
