A Greenville mother says her 1-year-old daughter’s father beat her into a coma at his home in Laurens.
Kaya Thomas said her daughter Egypt Morales has been in the coma since last Monday, Feb. 23. She said the incident happened during one of Egypt’s bi-monthly visits with him.
“I’m so hurt. I’m still hurting now. I’m destroyed. I’m angry,” said Thomas.
“My baby was so innocent. She was a happy baby. She loved me. She loved her sisters. She was attached to me. She was just starting life. And someone who could just do this to my child — no,” the mother added.
Laurens Police arrested Egypt’s father Joseph Kevin Morales. He remains in the Laurens County Detention Center, charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.
The warrant for Morales’ arrest says he “did maliciously inflict great bodily injury” on his daughter, which “endangered the life and health” of that child.
“It’s like my body was just trying to shut down. I had to take a breather. I went in the bathroom and I just broke down crying,” said Thomas.
Thomas said the unlawful conduct toward a child charge does not go far enough.
“I don’t want him to see daylight, never see daylight ever again,” said Thomas.
Laurens Police Chief Sonny Ledda said his department is “in the middle” of its investigation and the unlawful conduct charge is based on what officers have found so far in that investigation.
Laurens Police Major Chrissie Cofield said charges could be upgraded if Egypt’s condition deteriorates. Greenville Health System spokesperson Sandy Dees said Egypt remains in serious condition.
Ledda said investigators are in constant contact with the hospital.
A State Law Enforcement Division background check on Morales reveals he has no criminal record.
Thomas said her ex-boyfriend had never shown signs of aggression.
“I never had no signs that he would even do this. He always used to text me that he loves his baby, he wants to have a bond with her,” she said.
If Morales is convicted on the felony unlawful conduct toward a child charge, state law says he would be fined at the discretion of the court, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.