Medical personnel at Henderson County Community Hospital alerted authorities to a case of possible child abuse last week after treating a 1-year-old boy for second- and third-degree burns. Lexington Police Department Investigator Donna Hetherington said yesterday that Donnie Davis, 34, of 1280 South Main Street, Lexington, has been charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect in connection with the incident and was being held on $250,000 bond. Hetherington said investigators were notified last Tuesday when Davis’ son, Craig, was brought to the emergency room with third-degree burns to his stomach and second- and third-degree burns on his hands. Reportedly, the burns were suffered when the child came into contact with an oven door “that was estimated to be about 450 degrees fahrenheit. Hetherington said the child was flown to the burn treatment center at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville for treatment and may return home this week. “The last time I talked to anyone there was some speculation that the child may be able to come home as early as today, but I haven’t confirmed whether or not that is going to be the case yet,” Hetherington said. Investigators said the child also received other “discipline-related injures” following the burning injuries. Investigators also said that though the investigation is not yet complete, there is at least some indication that Davis played a role in the child coming into contact with the oven door. “There is some indication that the father played a role in the child’s contact with the stove,” investigators said, “and that is where these charges originated, was with that indication.” Investigators also said it was Davis who took the child to the emergency room for treatment. “And once the medical staff saw the injuries they contacted us to come and conduct an investigation,” Hetherington said. Hetherington said there was also an older sibling in the home at the time of the injury, but the child’s mother was not at home. While stopping short of specifics about Davis’ past record, investigators indicated it may not be completely clear of similar behavior. When asked if Davis had any recorded history of abuse, investigators said “nothing that would have led to reason for this type of concern before now, no.” As of press time, Davis had not made bond and is currently being held in the Henderson County Jail awaiting a May 21 court appearance in Henderson County’s General Sessions Court.
