Two-year-old boy in critical condition with head trauma; father arrested for assault.
A two-year-old boy in Queens is fighting for his life following a brutal assault allegedly carried out by his father inside a hotel being utilized as a homeless shelter. The incident took place at the Manhattan View Hotel on 21st Street near 38th Avenue in Long Island City, according to law enforcement sources.
Authorities reported that the child sustained severe head trauma as a result of the attack. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured boy to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell, where he is currently in critical condition. Medical evaluations revealed that the child suffered multiple skull fractures and significant brain injuries, including internal bleeding. Following the trauma, he has undergone numerous surgical procedures to address his catastrophic injuries, which present a grim outlook for recovery.
Details surrounding the attack remain scarce, with an NYPD spokesperson unable to confirm a timeline for when the incident occurred. However, the investigation progressed quickly, leading to the arrest of the boy’s father, Dayvon Morrison, age 30. Following the assault, Morrison was apprehended by law enforcement on Monday. He was formally charged with assault on Tuesday as the investigation continues.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s living situation have raised additional concerns regarding the safety and welfare of vulnerable populations residing in similar shelters. The Manhattan View Hotel, where the assault occurred, is among several locations being used to house individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. Such incidents spotlight ongoing challenges faced by the New York City homeless shelter system, where resources often fall short in providing the necessary support and safety for families in distress.
As the case unfolds, advocacy groups are likely to call for greater scrutiny of conditions within homeless shelters and more comprehensive support mechanisms for families facing crises. The community’s reaction to this distressing event underscores the pressing need for reforms aimed at ensuring the safety of children and families in precarious living situations.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days as the legal proceedings advance and the health status of the child is monitored.
