Infant Released from Hospital After Alleged Abuse

Six-month-old Braxton Musselman returns home following three-month rehabilitation stay.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:22am

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After nearly three months of treatment in the Rehabilitation Unit at Valley Children's Hospital, six-month-old Braxton Musselman has been released, an emotional milestone for his family following a January incident that left him seriously injured. Braxton's parents say they are bracing for a long and uncertain recovery, but are grateful for his resilience throughout the ordeal.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the trust placed in caregivers and the challenges families face in ensuring the safety of their children. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation services for victims of abuse.

The details

Braxton's injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, and on March 4, the Madera County District Attorney charged his babysitter, Tonya Hamilton, with child abuse. Hamilton pleaded not guilty, and if convicted, could face a sentence of seven to life in prison. Braxton's parents say the experience has deeply shaken their trust in leaving their son in someone else's care.

  • On January 13, Braxton's mother, Tori Nelson, received a call from his babysitter, Tonya Hamilton, saying the infant was unresponsive.
  • On March 4, the Madera County District Attorney charged Hamilton with child abuse.
  • Hamilton later pleaded not guilty to the charges.
  • Braxton was released from Valley Children's Hospital on March 28, 2026, after nearly three months of rehabilitation.

The players

Braxton Musselman

A six-month-old infant who was seriously injured in an incident in January and spent three months in rehabilitation at Valley Children's Hospital.

Tori Nelson

Braxton's mother, who received the devastating call from his babysitter about his unresponsive condition.

Chris Musselman

Braxton's father, who says the family is bracing for a long and uncertain recovery for their son.

Tonya Hamilton

The 51-year-old babysitter who was charged with child abuse in connection with Braxton's injuries and has pleaded not guilty.

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What they’re saying

“When you hear that news, it's hard to accept and I think it's very natural to automatically think the worst.”

— Chris Musselman, Braxton's father

“He's my little baby and the idea of trusting him with anybody else is hard.”

— Tori Nelson, Braxton's mother

“Poor baby didn't deserve to have to go through this, but he's strong -- that's for sure.”

— Chris Musselman, Braxton's father

What’s next

Braxton is expected to return to Valley Children's in less than two weeks for a follow-up evaluation to assess his progress. Tonya Hamilton's next court appearance is scheduled for May.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of childcare providers to ensure the safety of vulnerable infants. It also underscores the need for comprehensive support services and rehabilitation programs to help victims of abuse recover and thrive.