A two-year-old boy who had been left in a coma following an alleged assault by his father at a New York City homeless shelter has died, deepening a case that has shocked residents and prompted renewed scrutiny of child safety within the city’s shelter system.
The child passed away late Wednesday night, February 4, at a Manhattan hospital, according to law enforcement sources. His death came only hours after his father, 30-year-old Dayvon Morrison, was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of attempted murder and assault in connection with the incident.
The boy’s mother, Cyndy Williams, confirmed the loss in a brief and emotional post on social media. “My baby is gone,” she wrote, adding the date and time of his death. Authorities later confirmed the child’s identity as Maliek.
Allegations Against the Father
Prosecutors allege that the assault occurred late Friday night, January 30, at a family shelter in Queens where Morrison and the child were staying. According to court filings, the toddler was discovered the following morning with serious injuries.
Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, prosecutors said Morrison placed the child in a stroller and moved between locations in Queens and East Harlem over the next several days. The situation reportedly came to the attention of authorities when Morrison arrived at the boy’s mother’s apartment, where a witness noticed the child’s condition and contacted emergency services.
Police responded to the 911 call and the child was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on life support. Morrison was arrested early Monday, February 2.
During questioning, Morrison allegedly told officers that he could not recall whether he had beaten his son, claiming he had been intoxicated at the time. Prosecutors said he admitted to being drunk during the incident.
Court Proceedings and Medical Condition
At Morrison’s arraignment on Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn Muldoon outlined the severity of the child’s injuries, telling the court that Maliek had suffered extensive internal and head trauma consistent with a violent assault. Medical staff placed the child on a ventilator, and prosecutors said doctors had described his condition as critical with a poor prognosis.
Morrison was initially charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, and related offenses. Bail was not granted, and he was remanded into custody.
Following the child’s death later that night, the Queens District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the charges would be upgraded to reflect the fatal outcome.
“Reiterating what was said in court, if the child succumbed to his injuries, we intend to submit upgraded charges,” a spokesperson for the office said in a statement on Thursday, February 5.
Broader Concerns and Investigation
The case has raised serious questions about child welfare oversight in shelters, particularly regarding monitoring and intervention when signs of abuse may be present. City officials have not publicly commented on whether the shelter involved followed required reporting protocols, but sources say an internal review is expected.
Advocates for homeless families say the tragedy highlights the need for stronger safeguards, staff training, and coordination between social services and law enforcement to protect vulnerable children living in temporary housing.
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services has not released details on any prior involvement with the family, citing confidentiality laws.
What Comes Next
Prosecutors are expected to formally update the charges against Morrison in the coming days, potentially elevating them to homicide-related counts. He is scheduled to return to court later this month.
As the investigation continues, Maliek’s death has sparked renewed calls for accountability and reform, with community members and child welfare advocates urging city leaders to ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
The case remains under active investigation by the NYPD and the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Source: Africa Publicity
