DENTON (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Denton Police revealed more about the recent arrests of a mother and her boyfriend in connection the death of the woman’s 7-year-old son.
Phoenix Ho was found unconscious at a home in the 1600 block of E. McKinney Street on Friday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died.
Hospital staff told police the child had suspicious and extensive injuries when he arrived.
Investigators said Sabrine Ho, Phoenix’s mother, admitted to trying to hide the abuse that her boyfriend, 52-year-old Todd Lawfton Shaw, allegedly inflicted on the child and failed to notify authorities.
Deputy Chief Frank Padgett said its a factor that’s inexcusable.
“It’s just basic human decency. You have to report that to someone. If you don’t call us, call the school. Unfortunately, Ms. Ho kept Phoenix out of school for several months to hide the abuse,” he said.
Deputy Padgett said this types of cases are especially difficult on first responders and law enforcement.
“We do see a lot of crime everyday…but this is a child. This is a 7-year-old child that couldn’t defend themselves against adults. We want to be his voice and that’s why these detectives here, they want to be a voice for our children when they can’t defend themselves,” he said.
Shaw was arrested on a charge of injury to a child on April 2. Ho was arrested on the same charge on April 5.
Deputy Chief Padgett said more charges could be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
Phoenix was a second-grade student enrolled in a local elementary school but police said Ho kept in out of school for weeks to hide the abuse.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.
The Denton Police Department is urging anyone who suspects child abuse to report to either the authorities, a school or local outreach organizations.
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