Crime & Safety

Baby Burned in Alleged Child Abuse Incident 'Doing Fine'

One of the charges against alleged child abuser Shawn Ward, 23, won't be pursued in court.

A family member of an infant burned by 150-degree water during an alleged Salem child abuse incident says she is relieved that doctors don't believe the child will have lasting injuries or issues as a result of the ordeal.

The family member, whose identity is being withheld by Patch, said the 19-month-old boy is "doing fine" roughly a month after he was admitted to multiple hospitals due to peeling and burns that occurred when Shawn Ward, 23, of Pembroke, Mass., allegedly "gave him a bath" with the hot liquid.

"The doctors say there will be no scarring and he is so young he probably won't remember any of it," said the family member. 

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Ward, the boyfriend of the child's mother, was charged on Dec. 14 with second-degree assault with bodily injury of an individual under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child. 

Police believe Ward intentionally caused the burns while he was babysitting the infant on Dec. 13. It took almost four hours for Ward to call the mother and almost 5 1/2 hours to call 911 after Ward allegedly bathed the child that night.

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ward allegedly left the mother a voicemail on Dec. 13 that stated "his forehead and head are peeling almost like it was burned. I gave him a bath earlier, but the water was not nearly hot enough to burn him. Give me a call back."

The case has been bound over to Rockingham Superior Court. Prosecutors won't pursue the endangering charge in court, although the Class B felony assault charge is still active, according to court staff.

Probable cause has been found in the case against Ward, who is still being held on $20,000 cash bail. Court staff say no additional hearings or court appearances had been scheduled for Ward as of Monday afternoon.

The family member who spoke with Patch said she would like to thank "everyone" for "their concern and prayers" in the weeks that have followed the alleged assault.

The mother of the alleged victim has declined to speak with Patch about the matter.


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