Judge: Man Accused of Beating Baby at San Jacinto Daycare Must Stand Trial

A San Jacinto daycare worker accused of beating an 8- month-old boy, causing serious injuries, must stand trial for child abuse, a judge ruled this week.

Tyreece E. Washington, 25, could face a dozen years behind bars if convicted of a June assault at his mother's daycare facility.

Following a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Dennis McConaghy found there was sufficient evidence to bound the defendant over for trial on the abuse count, as well as a sentence-enhancing great bodily injury allegation.

McConaghy scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment in the case for March 7. Washington remains free on an $85,000 bond.

The alleged assault occurred last June 19 at Washington Family Child Care in the 1100 block of Lee Ann Circle, near Palm Avenue.

Prosecutors said Washington was one of several family members who helped out at the facility, which was run out of the defendant's mother's house.

Washington was left to supervise the victim while his mother attended to the five to 10 other children for whom she cared on a regular basis, according to the District Attorney's Office. The defendant allegedly struck the infant, causing rib fractures and skull injuries.

It was the third time the tot had been left at the daycare facility. After the baby's mother discovered bruises, she contacted the sheriff's department.

Washington was questioned by detectives, culminating in his arrest.

According to the D.A.'s office, it's too soon to tell whether the tot's injuries may have resulted in permanent damage.

The operational status of the daycare facility could not immediately be confirmed.

– City News Service.