Mother accused of putting infant son in scalding-hot water, causing severe burns

MARRERO, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - A Louisiana mother is accused of deliberately putting her 1-month-old son in scalding-hot water, causing severe burns.

Melvinika Williams, 26, was arrested Wednesday following accusations that she severely abused her 1-month-old son, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said. She was booked on second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and filing a false police report in which she allegedly tried to blame the baby’s injuries on another family member.

A JPSO spokesman said Williams’ son suffered second-degree burns to the buttocks and genitals after he was deliberately placed in scalding-hot water. The baby also suffered a broken femur that will require surgical repair.

Williams called 911 last Sunday, claiming she discovered her son’s injuries after leaving him with a relative. Investigators quickly came to doubt her account, however, leading to the allegation of false reporting.

The abuse took place at Williams’ home in Marrero, the JPSO spokesman said.

Williams was being held without bond, while her son remains hospitalized.

The JPSO said no other suspects or children were involved in the investigation.