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1-year-old left brain dead after beatings

Mother's boyfriend charged with aggravated child abuse

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

Published: September 11, 2009

Updated: 09/11/2009 05:26 pm

David McBurnett

BROOKSVILLE - A 1-year-old child is brain dead after he was beaten by his mother's boyfriend for crying too much, a report states.

The alleged beatings happened between March 2009 and Thursday while the suspect, David McBurnett, lived with his girlfriend and her son on Geronimo Street.

The child's mother told investigators that McBurnett struck the victim on "numerous" occasions because the boy was crying, a report states. McBurnett used his fists, a sandal and a remote control to hit him and would occasionally squeeze the boy's face, according to a report.

In an interview with detectives Friday, McBurnett, 19, admitted to the acts and said he did it to make the child stop crying, according to a report. He was charged with aggravated child abuse.

The child is suffering from internal bleeding, a rib fracture, "numerous contusions" on the body and it's likely the child has no brain activity, a report states.

Asked Friday if the child's mother faced any charges, Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman, said the case is still ongoing.

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