Ohio grandmother sentenced for bathing 2-year-old in scalding hot water that caused ‘horrific injuries’

A Warren County judge sentenced Lashawnda Walters, 51, to 7-10 ½ years in prison for inflicting severe burns on her 2-year-old granddaughter. The incident stemmed from a diaper-changing mishap.

A May 2nd press release from Prosecutor David Fornshell indicates that Walters pleaded guilty to charges of child endangerment and evidence tampering.

On March 30th, 2023, the young girl, residing with Walters, soiled her diaper. Prosecutor Fornshell stated that Walters then “attacked” the child and subjected her to a scalding bath exceeding 126 degrees Fahrenheit.

The horrific act resulted in second and third-degree burns covering over 17% of the child’s body, including her legs, buttocks, and sensitive areas.

Alarmingly, Walters waited over five hours before seeking medical attention for the victim. The prosecutor’s office revealed the child’s transfer from Cincinnati Children’s Liberty Campus to Shriners Children’s Ohio for specialized skin grafts due to the extensive burns.

Furthermore, the investigation uncovered that Walters attempted to conceal her crime by deleting video evidence from her residence.

Currently, Lashawanda Walters remains incarcerated at the Warren County Jail.