Freeport Couple Charged with Assault for Burning, Malnourishing Toddler

Prosecutors say the 3-year-old girl was found with severe burns, bruises, and scarring indicating prolonged abuse.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:19pm

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An extreme close-up of a severely burned and scarred child's hand, captured in stark, dramatic lighting to convey the gravity of the alleged abuse.The disturbing physical evidence of alleged child abuse and neglect exposes the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems.Freeport Today

A Freeport couple, Hanchelove Decius and Evenson Francois, have been charged with first-degree assault after their 3-year-old daughter was found with severe third-degree burns, scarring, bruising, and malnutrition. Prosecutors allege the abuse began in October 2024 and continued for several months, with the parents depriving the child of food and physically abusing her. The couple has pleaded not guilty, and if convicted, could face up to 25 years in jail.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality of child abuse and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. The alleged actions of the parents have caused significant physical and emotional harm to the young victim, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the community.

The details

According to prosecutors, on June 8, 2025, the 3-year-old girl was found to have suffered third-degree burns on her chest and lower body after being scalded with a burning liquid. Further examination by hospital staff revealed additional injuries, including scarring lesions, lacerations, and bruises on the girl's body, as well as scarring on her face, forehead, and nose, and open lacerations on her right eyebrow and chin. All of these injuries had gone untreated.

  • The abuse allegedly began in October 2024 and continued for several months.
  • The couple was arraigned on the first-degree assault charges on April 13, 2026.
  • They are due back in court on April 24, 2026.

The players

Hanchelove Decius

The 27-year-old mother of the 3-year-old victim, who has been charged with first-degree assault.

Evenson Francois

The 28-year-old father of the 3-year-old victim, who has also been charged with first-degree assault.

Anne Donnelly

The Nassau County District Attorney, who is prosecuting the case and described the allegations as "disturbing".

Joe LoPiccolo

The attorney representing Hanchelove Decius, who says the case needs a comprehensive investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We have received allegations and intend to learn as much as possible about the basis for the allegations. It has to be investigated thoroughly and then defended as strongly as possible.”

— Joe LoPiccolo, Attorney for Hanchelove Decius

“After suffering severe third-degree burns, medical professionals made several disturbing discoveries of alleged prolonged physical abuse when they examined the defendants' three-year-old daughter. The scaring, bruising, and other injuries indicated that the child had been abused for months, and her emaciated appearance suggested she was also being denied basic nourishment to survive.”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

“Thankfully, with proper care, the young girl is quickly recovering from the horrors she allegedly endured at the hands of her parents, and my prosecutors will ensure that they are held responsible for every scar.”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 24, 2026 whether to allow Decius and Francois to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention of child abuse in the community. It underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring, early intervention, and comprehensive support services to protect vulnerable children and hold abusive parents accountable.