Tyler, Texas – Katherine Crosby, 39, was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child after allegedly slamming her daughter’s head into a wall as punishment, causing a black eye.
The incident, which occurred on June 5, 2025, has led to an ongoing investigation into child abuse and attempts to cover up the crime.
The Incident
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigator was called to the scene after noticing that Crosby’s daughter, who is under 14 years old, had a black eye and swelling.
The victim reportedly told the investigator that when someone in their house gets angry, they get punched, their nose gets broken, and their head gets slammed into the door or wall.
The victim explained that after being punished for misbehaving, her mother, Katherine Crosby, grabbed her ponytail and slammed her head into the wall. The child stated that this caused the painful black eye and that her mother did not give her medical care or ice for the injury.
Mother’s Admission and Coached Lies
In an interview with police, Crosby admitted to the abuse, saying, “Yes, I did it.” She even demonstrated how she had slammed her daughter’s head into the wall in the same way the victim had described. When asked if this kind of behavior was acceptable, Crosby reportedly asked, “What, I cannot do that?” The investigator informed Crosby that it was child abuse and illegal.
Despite her admission, Crosby reportedly coached the victim and her other children to lie to investigators. During a forensic interview on June 26, the victim and her sisters revealed that Crosby had instructed them to lie and say that the injury was caused by a fall on a brick.
The victim herself seemed confused and said, “Wait, was I supposed to say that I tripped on a brick because that is what mom said to say?” indicating the pressure Crosby put on them to cover up the truth.
Attempts to Recant and Further Manipulation
On the following day, Crosby allegedly tried to recant her confession during a meeting with CPS, attempting to convince the investigator to question the children again.
Crosby reportedly told the investigator, “Ask the girls again, in front of me, what happened to the victim’s eye because they will all tell you that I did not do anything.“
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Crosby was detained and processed at the Tyler County Jail on July 9, 2025, and later released on a $125,000 bond the next day. Her next hearing date is not immediately available.
