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Drunk dad accused of nearly beating 2-year-old son to death in NYC
Dayvon Morrison allegedly attacked the boy while intoxicated, ignoring his injuries until the child was dropped off at his mother's house with severe injuries.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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A 2-year-old boy in Queens, New York is fighting for his life after his 30-year-old father, Dayvon Morrison, allegedly beat him while drunk over the weekend and failed to seek medical attention as the child's condition deteriorated. Witnesses called 911 after seeing the child's injuries when he was dropped off at his mother's house early Monday morning. The boy suffered multiple severe injuries including a brain bleed, fractured pelvis, and liver laceration, and doctors say he is likely to die.
Why it matters
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and child abuse, as well as the importance of reporting suspected abuse to authorities. The child's mother had previously warned the Administration for Children's Services that her son was not safe with the father, raising questions about whether more could have been done to protect the child.
The details
According to prosecutors, Morrison told investigators he was drunk when he allegedly attacked the boy in their apartment sometime over the weekend. Morrison said he noticed the boy's injuries when he woke up on Saturday but didn't remember beating him because he was intoxicated. He then failed to seek medical care as the child's condition deteriorated, until the boy was dropped off at his mother's house on Monday morning with severe injuries. The boy is currently on a ventilator and suffered a blown right pupil, brain bleeds, a fractured pelvis, and a laceration on the liver. Doctors say he is likely to die from his injuries.
- Over the weekend, Morrison allegedly attacked the boy in their apartment.
- On Saturday morning, Morrison noticed the boy's injuries but did not seek medical care.
- On Sunday, Morrison noticed the boy's condition was deteriorating but still did not seek medical care.
- Around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, the boy was dropped off at his mother's house, where witnesses called 911 after seeing his injuries.
The players
Dayvon Morrison
A 30-year-old man who is accused of nearly beating his 2-year-old son to death while intoxicated.
Maliek
The 2-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten by his father and is now fighting for his life on a ventilator.
Administration for Children's Services (ACS)
The child welfare agency that the boy's mother had previously warned that her son was not safe with the father.
What they’re saying
“The safety and well-being of New York City children is our top priority. We are investigating this horrific abuse with the NYPD, and we are hoping the child will make a full recovery.”
— ACS Spokesperson (newsnationnow.com)
What’s next
Morrison was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of attempted murder and assault. The judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and intervention for children at risk of abuse, as well as better support and resources for families struggling with substance abuse and domestic violence issues.
