On July 15, 2024, Christopher Matthews, 39, was convicted of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury and sentenced to life in prison. The case, handled by Lead Prosecutor Ward Weber and Second Chair Jennifer Sawyer, involved a tragic incident where a 17-month-old child sustained severe injuries, including a skull fracture and a subdural hemorrhage, which ultimately led to death due to a lack of oxygen to the brain.
The Dallas Police Department investigated the case, and Matthews was identified as the only adult present when the child became unconscious. Dallas Fire and Rescue, arriving within minutes of the 911 call, was unable to detect a pulse. The Director of the REACH Clinic at Children's Medical Center testified that the injuries resulted from violent force inflicted shortly before the child lost consciousness.
Matthews had a prior criminal history, including two previous convictions for Assault Family Violence Enhanced. Testimonies from his former victims described the physical abuse they experienced. In light of these details and the severity of the current case, Matthews was sentenced to life in prison.
