Maryland Couple Faces Child, Sex Abuse Charges Following Death of 5-Year-Old Autistic Son

Following the murder of her five-year-old autistic son, a Maryland lady and her boyfriend are facing various abuse charges.

According to a news statement from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, asher, 30, was charged Monday with first-degree maltreatment causing the death of a child under the age of 13, first and second-degree assault, first-degree child abuse, sex abuse of a minor, and neglect of a minor.

Man Sexually Abused Girlfriend's Autistic Son

Timothy Lee Haselden, 33, was charged with first-degree maltreatment causing the death of a child under the age of 13, first- and second-degree rape, first- and second-degree assault, first- and second-degree child abuse, sex abuse of a minor, and neglect of a minor on Saturday.

On Friday, deputies responded to a complaint about an unresponsive youngster and attempted to save the boy's life, but he died at the hospital. According to court filings, the Washington County Medical Examiner's team ruled that the youngster had continued significant internal and exterior blunt force trauma, as well as various injuries on and in his body consistent with continuous abuse. However, they found that the youngster most likely died as a result of acutely received injuries, according to Herald-Mail Media.

The household also housed the boy's three-year-old sister and two-year-old brother. At Haselden's bond hearing, Washington County Assistant State's Attorney Danielle Lackovic told the judge that both surviving children exhibited symptoms of abuse or mistreatment and that the younger kid had to be treated at a nearby hospital.

Both are currently in foster care, citing an email from the sheriff's office's Detective Sgt. Howard Ward. Thrasher said it was only the second time he'd watched the kids without her supervision.

She is said to have confessed that she and Haselden were the sole caregivers for the children. According to court filings, Thrasher continuously reduced or denied knowing about the abuse and trauma caused to her son.

Maryland Mom Claims Son's Injuries Are Due to Siblings' Fight

Thrasher allegedly blamed the kid's injuries on a battle with one of his brothers, both toddlers, and said the boy had a history of seizures but hadn't had one in a long time. She allegedly also attributed the boy's rape-related injuries to him squatting down and sitting on the heels of his feet.

Haselden allegedly said he was babysitting the children after dropping Thrasher down at work when the 5-year-old went unconscious after being offered a snack and taking his medicine.

He further stated that he observed the youngster is unable to stand on his own and a brown liquid coming from the child's nose. He reportedly informed investigators that he put the youngster on the ground and then on the sofa.

He said that he contacted Thrasher at work and informed her of what had happened, following which she returned home and dialed 911. The youngster was found to be in cardiac arrest by emergency personnel.

According to court records examined by the newspaper, the boy's head was swelled, presumably due to a skull fracture, and there was evidence of strangling. The child's injuries, both old and fresh, were consistent with "physical abuse/trauma," according to medical staff. Thrasher and Haselden are being detained without bond at the Washington County Sheriff's Office Detention Center, Oxygen reported.

The 5-year-old had severe wounds both inside and externally, and investigators discovered signs of continued abuse. According to court papers acquired by the source, the youngster suffered from swelling in his brain, potentially due to a skull fracture.

Thrasher allegedly told detectives that they had just been dating for five months. Thrasher is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday. Haselden's next court appearance was set on August 23, as per Fox News.