PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon father has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after a violent assault on his toddler son left the child with life-threatening injuries.
The Crime
On April 4, 2024, Joseph Washington was caring for his 20-month-old son at his girlfriend’s home while the boy’s mother was at work. The child began vomiting repeatedly, prompting Washington to contact his ex-girlfriend. Instead of seeking medical care as she urged, he brought the boy back to her home.
Alarmed by his condition, the mother rushed her son to the hospital. Doctors quickly discovered the boy had suffered a perforated small intestine—a catastrophic injury caused by blunt force trauma.
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Medical Emergency
Prosecutors said surgeons performed immediate emergency surgery after finding bile, air, and fluid leaking into the boy’s abdomen. Medical experts concluded the injuries were consistent with severe child abuse, not an accident.
The trauma was so extreme that the child would have been unable to eat or keep food down. Without the mother’s quick decision to take him to the emergency room, prosecutors said, the toddler likely would not have survived.
The Admission
During the investigation, Washington admitted to the boy’s mother that he became angry because the child was “bothering him” that evening. He confessed to punching his son twice in the stomach, blows strong enough to rupture the toddler’s intestine.
Prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the act, noting that Washington attempted to downplay the boy’s symptoms and even discouraged the mother from seeking care, telling her to put the child to bed.
Conviction and Sentencing
A Multnomah County jury convicted Washington of first-degree assault earlier this month. On Friday, he was sentenced to 121 months (just over 10 years) in prison.
Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga, who prosecuted the case, said the outcome reflects the seriousness of Washington’s actions.
“The defendant’s violence nearly killed this child,” Moga said. “The mother’s decision to take him to the hospital saved his life. This verdict represents accountability for his gruesome behavior. Protecting children is what the community is tasked with, and I am thankful to the jury for holding the defendant responsible.”
A History of Violence
Court records show this is not Washington’s first violent offense. According to prosecutors, his criminal history includes assault, kidnapping, and child sex trafficking. His record highlighted him as a persistent danger, further underscoring the need for a lengthy prison sentence.
Protecting Vulnerable Children
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of leaving vulnerable children in the care of abusive or unfit guardians. Prosecutors stressed that child abuse cases can escalate quickly, with devastating consequences if symptoms are ignored.
Community leaders and child welfare advocates echoed the importance of vigilance, urging parents, caregivers, and neighbors to speak up if they suspect abuse.
For the young victim in this case, his mother’s quick action made the difference between life and death. The boy survived surgery and is now recovering, though doctors say the trauma could have lasting effects.
Justice Served
With Washington now behind bars, prosecutors said the sentence sends a clear message: Oregon will not tolerate acts of violence against children.
“This case is about accountability,” Moga added. “And about a community’s responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members.”
