Toddler beaten severelyfor not eating; Mothers live-in boyfriend arrested
Updated: Thursday, 12 Mar 2009, 5:59 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 12 Mar 2009, 4:58 PM EDT
Deanna Dewberry
Edited by Hyacinth Williams
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A toddler is fighting for her life after suffering being beaten for more than hour. Authorities describe 14-month-old Lilianna Goodman's injuries as unstable and extremely critical.
On Thursday, police arrested 18-year-old Tayuan Chism, the mother's live-in boyfriend.
"The 14-month old girl was beaten with a belt for a period of 1 to 2 hours for disciplinary issues specifically that being not eating her food and failure to respect the suspect. So as a result of his feeling that he was disrespected, he has beaten the child for that duration," said IMPD Spokesman Paul Thompson.
Police believe Chism was angry, very angry. They say he beat Lilianna for not eating her food and failure to respect him.
Lilianna was taken to the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. Police believe Chism beat her mother, Rachel Goodman as well. But her injuries are not life threatening.
24-Hour News 8 located her Thursday at her apartment. She was refused to talk to News 8, but her friend did.
"She's emotional, she's alright right now, she's dealing with it the best way that she can," said Kareem Kubisty, a family friend.
Domestic violence experts said abusers often exhibit a pattern of escalation that can be deadly.
"Usually there's a period of building tension until it explodes into some kind of outburst violence or some other kind of abuse," said Betsy Whaley, The Julian Center.
Police said in addition to the mother, there were two adults and a juvenile at the home at the time of the beating. Right now, Chism is the only one being charged.
18-year-old Tayuan Chism, the mother's live-in boyfriend