Toddler's Scalding By Caretaker So Severe That Boy's Skin Fell Off: Cops

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago grocery store clerk is accused of burning a toddler in a bathtub of scalding water after the boy smeared butter on himself and the floor, the Chicago Tribune reports. Burns covered at least a quarter of the 2-year-old boy's body, along his lower back, legs and feet, the report stated. According to Chicago police, the child's injuries were so extreme that his skin came off in places as he was taken out of the tub, the report added.

Jarvon Crossley, 36, was charged Sunday with aggravated battery of a child younger than 13 years old, and he was ordered held on $2 million bail Monday. His next court date is Sept. 11.

The incident happened Aug. 17 in the South Chicago neighborhood while Crossley was in charge of watching the boy, the report stated. Crossley had been napping when the boy pulled butter from the refrigerator and spread it on the floor, as well as the the child's own legs and arms, the report added. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for the South Side and Chicago — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

According to police, Crossley angrily put the boy in the scalding water after waking up and discovering the mess, the report stated. Prosecutors said in court Monday that burns covered between 25 percent to 30 percent of the victim's body, and the boy — who already has received two skin-graft operations at Comer Children's Hospital — might need to relearn how to walk, the report added.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Jarvon Crossley, 36 (Photo via the Cook County Sheriff's Office)

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