Houston, TX- Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says the HCSO Homicide Division is investigating injuries sustained by 4-year-old Londlyn Anthony, allegedly at the hands of her incarcerated mother’s friend. While the case wasn’t actually a homicide, it was assigned to those investigators because Londlyn’s injuries were life-threatening.
On Tuesday, the woman with whom Londlyn lived took her to a Houston area hospital, where she was reportedly obviously seriously injured and having a seizure. Staff members contacted law enforcement to report what appeared to be severe abuse, leaving the little girl near death. Londlyn was transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital and was not expected to survive.
The preschool aged girl, whose mom has been in jail since September, was staying with 30-year-old Tameria Dameisha Barnett. The Sheriff says Barnett was supposed to be a family friend but is believed to have beaten the little girl on a daily basis since September when her mother was incarcerated. Like her mother, Londlyn’s father also hadn’t seen her since September, Gonzalez said, but no explanation was offered for his absence.
As a result of the investigation, HCSO arrested Tameria Barnett on Friday. Public records show Barnett was previously arrested for assault causes bodily injury. The case was later dismissed. Barnett is charged with Injury to a Child. Her bond was set at $100,000. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
Sheriff Gonzalez said Friday Londlyn remained in critical condition at Texas Children’s Hospital.
“My heart breaks for this precious little girl, who was allegedly beat daily for months,” the Sheriff said.
