Toddler Dead, Mother In Custody

A 4-year-old girl whose mother was arrested, along with the mother's boyfriend, on suspicion of child abuse in Detroit was pronounced dead Thursday night, officials said Friday.

Toryn Buckman was pronounced dead Thursday night after being taken to Detroit Children's Hospital, according to Wayne County Superior Court documents and Detroit police.

The case is now classified as a homicide, said Sgt. Tommy Thompson of the Detroit Police Department.

Ashley Buckman, Toryn's 22-year-old mother, was arrested on suspicion of four counts of child abuse, a felony, officials said. James Edwards, 22, Buckman's live-in boyfriend, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of child abuse, officials said.

Buckman and Edwards likely will face additional charges related to the death of the Toryn, according to  Detroit police.

During Buckman's initial appearance at the Fourth Avenue Jail, she said she had proof that she did not cause the brutality and that there are threats on her phone from the person who did it.

But, according to court documents, Buckman told authorities she beat her daughter with a clothes hanger, smacked her in the mouth and twisted her nipples until they bled.

The child's injuries were extensive from head to toe, according to the court documents.

Edwards told authorities he knew about the abuse for about six months and did not report it, according to the court documents.

He told authorities he disciplined the child using his hands and a remote control. He told authorities he placed the girl in scalding-hot bathwater several weeks ago, according to court documents.

The burns were still visible Thursday, officials said

"4-year-old in Detroit Child-abuse Case Dies." Azcentral.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2013.

Personal Response: The article above is an example of physical abuse on a young child. I believe this is the sickest thing you can do to a child. The child was 4 years old and had to deal with the mother and step-father's insanity. The child didn't ask to be brought into this world. I don't understand, if you don't want a child, don't beat on them, give them up for adoption so they can at least have a shot at a normal life. Having the guts to kill a small child is something I will never understand. These abusive parents never really have a reason to beat the children anyways. They have demons within  themselves that they need to deal with. I just wish the kids didn't have to go through things like this because they do not deserve it at all.