MONTICELLO, Minn. - A Wright County man is charged with first degree assault after police say he caused a massive brain injury to his girlfriend's son.
Prosecutors maintain that Matthew Scott Stewart is responsible for shaking or injuring the 23-month-old boy on September 15, causing swelling of the brain and cranial injuries that will leave him with long-term disabilities, if he survives.
The 21-year-old defendant and the boy's mother told police that on that day they visited Stewart's mother before returning to the couple's apartment. They say everything was normal, and that after Braydon Decker ate lunch and Steward removed him from his high chair the child began having a tantrum. Stewart told investigators that he put the child in his crib as they always did when he threw a tantrum, and left the room. He returned a short time later when the boy was still crying, and claims he gently laid the toddler down on the carpet to change his diaper.
There were no witnesses to what went on in the bedroom.
A short time later Stewart says he called to his girlfriend when he saw the boy's eyes fluttering and his body rigid, as if he was having a seizure. The boy was transported to Monticello Hospital, and then transferred to Children's Hospital in St. Paul due to the severity of his brain injuries.
Both Stewart and the boy's mother Alicia Beckman say the child suffered no accidents or falls that could have caused such serious injuries.
Charges could be amended if Braydon's condition changes.
