Mom Waited 3 Hours to Take Toddler Son to Hospital After Boyfriend Burned Boy: Cops

A Kentucky woman and her boyfriend are facing serious charges after a 3-year-old boy allegedly sustained severe burns to his hands and forearms. The incident, which reportedly involved intentional abuse and a delayed response to medical care, has shocked the local community. The couple, Breanna Nicole Lair, 24, and Jacob Sneed, 25, are now charged with first-degree child abuse, with Sneed facing an additional assault charge.

Alleged Abuse and Delayed Medical Attention

The incident took place in Louisville, Kentucky, where police were called on Sunday after reports of a 3-year-old boy suffering from burns to both of his hands and forearms. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, the boy was on his way to Norton Children’s Hospital when law enforcement arrived. It’s alleged that Lair left the child alone with her boyfriend, Jacob Sneed, for approximately one hour. During that time, Sneed was accused of intentionally submerging the child’s hands in extremely hot water, leading to severe burns. Once Lair became aware of the abuse, she reportedly delayed taking the child to the hospital for up to three hours. Authorities stated that Lair later admitted to lying to medical staff about the cause of her son’s injuries. The couple’s actions have drawn widespread outrage as the child suffered substantial pain and distress due to the prolonged delay in receiving medical care.

Violation of Child Protective Services Order

In addition to the abuse allegations, the affidavit reveals that Lair had been warned by Child Protective Services (CPS) not to leave her son alone with Sneed due to a previous abuse investigation. Despite this, Lair reportedly ignored the CPS order, further compounding the situation. While specific details of the prior abuse investigation were not disclosed, it highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the child in the custody of his mother. “The totality of the suspects’ intentional actions led to the victim being placed in a situation where he received serious physical injuries,” police stated in their affidavit. The report paints a grim picture of neglect and abuse, as Lair failed to protect her son from harm, leading to his painful injuries.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Family Concerns

As of Wednesday morning, both Lair and Sneed remained in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. They are facing serious charges, with their next court appearance scheduled for April 15. The condition of the 3-year-old boy remains unclear, and authorities have not provided an update on who currently has custody of the child. Given the severity of the case, child welfare agencies are likely to be involved in determining the child’s future care.

In the aftermath of the abuse, Lair’s employment status has also come under scrutiny. Local reports confirm that Lair worked as an instructional assistant at Wheeler Elementary School in the Jefferson County Public Schools, though it remains unclear if she is still employed following her arrest. This case serves as a reminder of the critical role child protection agencies and medical professionals play in identifying and responding to signs of abuse. The delay in seeking medical attention for the child has raised further concerns about the couple’s intentions and the child’s well-being.