Clarendon man charged with injuring infant

Updated

More details have been released in the case of a father charged with abusing his 13-day-old infant girl.

Warrants show that Justin Dewayne Williamson, 22, of 2323 Jim Jolly Rd., Clarendon, was initially released on a $25,000 secured bond. That bond was raised to $100,000.

The infant suffered head injuries, cuts in her mouth and internal injuries.

The Department of Social Services contacted the sheriff’s office Sept. 10 about a possible case of child abse. On Sept. 8, the sheriff’s office reported, DSS was contacted after the baby girl was transported to Loris Hospital with scratches on her upper body, an abrasion on her neck, and serious bruising. Further investigation showed she had suffered head trauma and internal injuries, the sheriff’s office said. The infant was suffering seizures, and was transported to Grand Strand Medical Center due to the severity of her injuries.

The sheriff’s office reported that Williamson was alone with the baby while her other, Crystal Hall, was in town. Williamson allegedly told investigators he stuck a finger in the child’s mouth, causing a cut that bled. The child then began choking on her own blood, Williamson told detectives. He then performed a “finger sweep” of her through, cutting her yet again, the report said.
Williamson told investigators he thought the child had quit breathing, and attempted to perform CPR. He then ran through the house to find another family member outside. Williamson reportedly said he thought he might have struck the child’s head again as he was running through the house. Som time later, the child was taken to Loris. Blood was found in her mouth and nose, according to the report.
About a week before the Sept. 8 incident, Williamson told investigators that some of the injuries came from accidentally hitting the child’s head on the porch ceiling. He said he lifted the child because she was laughing, and struck her head on the rafters. No one sought care for the child after that incident, the report said.
The child is in the custody of Social services. The incidents occurred in September, and the sheriff’s office reported that she is still suffering seizures from the head injury.