Minneapolis man charged in severe child abuse case
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A Minneapolis man has been charged after a 20-month old was hospitalized with fractured ribs, severe brain injuries, and a lacerated kidney and spleen.
Ticourtier Collins, 21, was charged with first-degree assault in Hennepin County Court on Friday.
The complaint against Collins said he was caring for his daughter Sunday, then brought her to the hospital after the toddler was injured while playing at another home.
Collins' story changed several times. According to the complaint, he also told the child's mother he did not witness the injury. Collins told doctors and police that the little girl bumped heads with another child while playing. In another version in the complaint, he told a friend he'd left the child home alone while he went to buy marijuana.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Doctors said the child had extensive bruising and that the injuries were not consistent with a fall or play injury. They concluded the girl had severe abusive head trauma. The complaint says her developmental prognosis is "guarded."
The girl, who was not named in the complaint, is still in the hospital.
Freeman said prosecutors are seeking a tougher sentence, because of the child's vulnerability, the cruelty of the attack and Collins' position of authority.
"How anyone can treat their own child this way just passes all understanding," Freeman said. "We're going to get justice for this child. And we are going to make sure the message goes out that you can't treat your kid that way."
Collins remains in custody.
