SANDY, UT – A couple in Utah faces serious charges in connection with a harrowing case of child abuse that left a 3-year-old girl in critical condition, officials said.
Tyrel Scott Belone, 28, and Amber Lee Leary, 29, are charged with attempted aggravated murder and child abuse following the severe beating of Leary’s daughter, referred to in court documents as C.W. The child remains in a medically induced coma, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.
Police responded to a home at around 7:15 a.m. on June 28 and found the toddler unresponsive in the basement. Officers described her as bruised, with a greenish-blue tint covering her body, indicating a lack of oxygen. She was urgently airlifted to a hospital after being discovered barely conscious.
During the investigation, detectives questioned Leary and Belone, uncovering troubling details about their recent move to Utah and their backgrounds in nursing. Belone admitted to police that the child’s behavioral issues had frustrated him, particularly her regression in potty training.
Reports revealed that prior to police arrival, Belone allegedly became violent, throwing the child against a mattress, causing her head to hit a wall. He claimed it happened accidentally during an attempt to discipline her early that morning.
Court documents detail Belone’s admissions of hitting the child on several occasions, causing extensive bruising. He reportedly justified his actions by citing C.W.’s supposed outbursts and past incidents where she allegedly bit him.
Leary stated that she received a call from Belone urging her to return home, expressing concerns about C.W.’s need for medical attention. Further pressure came when Belone’s mother insisted over the phone that the child needed immediate hospital care.
As the situation escalated, Leary claimed Belone obstructed her attempts to call 911, warning her of personal repercussions. It was not until she stepped outside to smoke that she contacted emergency services, providing their location.
Text messages surface in the investigation, depicting a strained relationship between the couple, fueled by Belone’s anger towards C.W. Prosecutors highlighted threatening messages from Belone expressing violent intentions towards the child.
A pediatric expert warned of the severe risk of further injury to C.W. if returned to those responsible for her current condition. Leary’s arrest warrant accuses her of enabling the abuse by failing to intervene or seek help despite visible injuries.
The child remains hospitalized, while the case underscores the need for vigilance and intervention in instances of suspected child abuse. The community remains hopeful for C.W.’s recovery amid the ongoing legal proceedings.