05/31/2026
Arizona Couple Arrested After Pouring Hot Water on Toddler’s Head, Causing “Slow, Painful” Death
A 22-month-old boy in Mesa, Arizona, died after suffering severe burns that investigators say were left untreated for days.
Police say the toddler’s injuries were consistent with scalding liquid poured over his head, spreading across his neck, chest, back, and hips. Nearly 40 percent of his body was burned, with skin blistering and peeling.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the injuries happened on April 3. Alexsander Byrne, 21, told investigators he saw “big chunks” of skin coming off the child during a diaper change.
Despite the severity, Byrne and the child’s mother, Artnesia Aaliyah Baptist, 24, allegedly refused to seek medical care. Investigators say they feared Child Protective Services would get involved.
Authorities later found internet searches on Byrne’s phone, including “can 2nd degree burns kill you.” The couple also told family members the child had a cold and claimed he was getting better when help was offered.
Instead of taking him to a hospital, they used burn cream, aloe vera, and Tylenol. Byrne told police the child developed a fever, began vomiting, and eventually could not walk.
The boy died on April 12 from infection and sepsis. The medical examiner described it as a “slow, painful decline” that had progressed for at least 48 hours before his death.
Baptist and Byrne are charged with murder and child abuse in connection to the child’s death. Both are being held on $1 million cash-only bonds, and it is unclear if they have entered pleas.
