A Utah couple is facing attempted murder and child abuse charges following the severe beating of a 3-year-old girl, identified as C.W., who is currently in a medically-induced coma in critical condition.
The tragic incident occurred on June 28, and the girl’s mother, Amber Lee Leary, 29, and her boyfriend, Tyrel Scott Belone, 28, have been charged with attempted aggravated murder, aggravated child abuse, and child torture.
The Tragic Incident
According to court documents, at around 7:15 a.m. on June 28, police were called to a home in Sandy, Utah, where they found C.W. lying unresponsive, not fully conscious, but still breathing.
Officers noted that the child had multiple bruises, including on her face and body, and appeared to be deprived of oxygen. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
The couple’s behavior leading up to the child’s injuries has been described in a disturbing series of events. Belone reportedly became frustrated with C.W.’s potty training regression, which he described as “combative” behavior.
According to the complaint, Belone had punched C.W. multiple times, including once on the cheekbone and forehead, and also had backhanded her.
Alleged Abuse Leading Up to the Incident
Belone admitted to striking the child with a closed fist and punching her in the face. He also described an incident where he allegedly threw C.W. onto a mattress, and she bounced off, hitting the wall with her head.
He claimed to have checked her afterward and noticed she wasn’t responding but reassured himself that her heart rate and breathing were fine. However, the injuries were severe, and Belone’s actions escalated in the days before the attack.
Leary, who was reportedly aware of the abuse but did nothing to intervene, was also implicated in the case. Leary stated that she was on her way to work when Belone called, claiming that C.W. needed medical attention.
When she returned to the home, she found her daughter in critical condition and referred to her as “dead with a heartbeat.” Leary allegedly hesitated to call for help, only doing so after being encouraged by Belone’s mother during a FaceTime call.
Disturbing Text Messages
The investigation uncovered disturbing text messages that Belone had sent to Leary, threatening harm to the child. On June 22, Belone allegedly texted Leary, saying, “I am going to murder her,” and “I am going to crack her skull.”
He also described how he wanted to leave Leary because of the child’s behavior, referring to her as “feral” and threatening to break her nose.
The Medical Report
A pediatrician who evaluated C.W. at the hospital expressed concern that the child was at high risk of further injury or death if returned to the caregivers responsible for the abuse. C.W. remains in the intensive care unit with a guarded prognosis.
Legal Actions and Charges
Both Leary and Belone are facing serious charges in connection to the abuse. Belone has been accused of committing extreme violence against the child, while Leary is charged with enabling the abuse by failing to intervene and seek medical help for her daughter. The couple is expected to face a long legal battle as the case progresses.
The Aftermath
As C.W. continues to fight for her life, her family is left grappling with the emotional impact of the abuse. The case has raised serious concerns about the failure of caregivers to protect vulnerable children and the consequences of ignoring signs of abuse.
