"Jane" COCKERHAM - 3 Months - Accused: Father-Walter Lee Cockerham - Houston TX

Father accused of leaving baby in scalding hot tub


Published On: Jun 06 2012 04:08:35 PM CDT

Updated On: Jun 06 2012 05:34:35 PM CDT


HOUSTON - A Houston father has been accused of leaving his baby daughter in a tub of scalding hot water.

Walter Lee Cockerham, 25, was charged with injury to a child. He told officers
he was distracted, but investigators aren't buying his story.

Cockerham was arrested after he called 911 for his daughter's injuries. Police
said his 3-month-old daughter suffered second- and third-degree burns to
nearly 45 percent of her body on Thursday at the family's apartment on Phlox.

Court documents said Cockerham was caring for the
infant when he left her unattended in the tub with the hot water
running. He said it was an accident and that he walked away because he
was distracted by a knock at the door.

Detectives said the father
was negligent and it wasn't the first time he's been in trouble with
the law. Cockerham was wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery
in February. His criminal record dates back to when he was 17 years old.

Cockerham is being held without bond because of the pending robbery case.

The daughter is recovering at Shriner's Hospital in Galveston. Doctors said she will require extensive reconstructive surgery.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/Father-accused-of-leaving-baby-in-scalding-hot-tub/-/1735978/14676648/-/e2a9nm/-/index.html

Even if the water isn't hot... how can you walk away from a 3 month old baby in the bathtub?

Exactly. The only time a baby this age should be alone is in it's crib.

I want to know what the mother's story is. They usually know when a POS man is abusing their babies.

Such horrific pain for a tiny baby to have to endure. So sad.