A toddler is fighting for his life after he was reportedly physically and sexually abused in Chilton County last week.
The 16-month-old was severely injured and is in critical condition, with swelling and bleeding to his brain,
according to a statement released by his mother on GoFundMe. “They have him in a medically induced coma for the moment, but they said that when the pressure and swelling subside they will take everything off and let him wake up on his own,’’ Katie Elliott wrote. “He has tubes and wires running from his little head to his toes.”
Jemison police this week announced they had arrested 33-year-old Shaw Wesley Averett in connection with the boy’s injuries.
The boy suffered severe head trauma, as well as genital and anal tearing. Averett had been in a relationship with the boy’s mother.
His attorney, John Robbins, said Averett denies the allegations.
“The police and the public at large are jumping to conclusions without knowing all the facts,’’ said John Robbins, Averett’s attorney. “Shawn denies that he ever hurt (the child) and that he did not cause his injuries.’’