Karina Burns, 27, and Colt McNeese, 27, were both arrested Friday in connection with an investigation into alleged child abuse that was inflicted on the couple’s son.
Burns is charged with two counts of child torture, six counts of third-degree assault (victim under four) and one count of harassment. McNeese is charged with two counts of child endangerment (substantial harm).
Court documents reveal a welfare check was done on June 4 after an individual made a report of child abuse, including photos of the boy’s injuries, which were sent to law enforcement. A 72-hour hold was placed, and the boy was taken to the hospital, where he was evaluated by a pediatrician.
The pediatrician deduced that the child’s body was consistent with abuse, noting that bruises were located in areas not typical for toddlers to sustain accidentally and factors like a bleeding disorder were ruled out, the criminal complaint says.
After going through Burns and McNeese’s phones using a search warrant, investigators found an incredible amount of text messages between the couple, including photos and videos, which detailed the abuse over the span of three years, the court document says.
“What this child endured is unimaginable,” said Dakota County Attorney Kathryn Keena. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the individual who stepped forward and reported concerns about the abuse of this child. Their willingness to act undoubtedly protected this child from further harm and may have saved the child’s life.”
According to court documents, Burns was upset about multiple issues throughout her relationship with McNeese. She was upset that McNeese left the house for work, leaving her with the child, and when he would not respond to her calls and text messages.
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