WACO, Texas — A 2-year-old girl was left with a broken jaw, broken bones in her wrist and hand, and bruises covering her entire body — allegedly at the hands of the woman trusted to keep her safe.
Katrina Lanett Evans, 34, is now on trial in McLennan County for one count of first-degree injury to a child and two counts of third-degree injury to a child.
What prosecutors say happened
The abuse allegedly took place in 2023 while Evans was babysitting the toddler.
Prosecutors say the violence began during potty training. When the little girl misbehaved, Evans allegedly flew into a rage.
“When you are in a rage and just popping, you don’t know your own strength and how hard you are hitting a baby,” Evans allegedly told Child Protective Services investigators.
An emergency room nurse testified that the child arrived at Falls Community Hospital with a broken jaw, broken bones, and injuries covering her from head to toe.
The nurse also described white circular scars consistent with cigarette burns and a U-shaped bruise caused by a belt buckle.
The toddler was later transferred to a children’s hospital in Temple for further treatment.
Her own children were also allegedly abused
The charges do not stop there.
Prosecutors allege Evans also struck her own 3-year-old and 5-year-old daughters with switches, shoes, a metal towel rack, and clothes hangers — leaving injuries on their backs, legs, and ribs.
What happens next
Evans was arrested in August 2024 and has remained in jail on a $254,000 bond.
Her trial began Monday before the 19th State District Court. If convicted on all charges, she could face up to 99 years in prison.
What do you think should happen to someone convicted of harming a child in their care? Share your thoughts in the comments.