1-Year-Old Boy Released from Austin Hospital After Alleged Non-Accidental Brain Injury

The child suffered severe injuries while in the care of his mother's partner, who was arrested and charged with injury to a child.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A 1-year-old boy from El Paso, Texas, who suffered a severe brain injury last August while in the care of his mother's partner, was released from a hospital in Austin on Wednesday after six months of treatment. The child's father, Guillermo Barraza, shared the news on Instagram, stating that his son has lost over 55% of his brain, affecting his ability to speak, communicate, and see. Despite the life-altering injuries, the child has made significant progress and will continue to undergo years of therapy and rehabilitation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of child safety and the need for thorough investigations into allegations of non-accidental injuries to young children. It also raises questions about the availability and quality of support services for families dealing with the aftermath of such traumatic events.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, on August 8, 2025, Barraza's son was seriously injured while in the care of Louis Whitson, the mother's partner. Whitson took the child to the hospital after he suffered seizures, and a CT scan revealed a brain bleed that required a craniotomy. Since then, the child has undergone nine surgeries, with most of them taking place in El Paso. The child has lost over 55% of his brain, affecting his ability to speak, communicate, and see, and he will be blind for life due to detached retinas and damaged optic nerves.

  • On August 8, 2025, the child was seriously injured while in the care of Louis Whitson.
  • In November 2025, the child was receiving medical care in Austin.
  • On Wednesday, the child was released from the hospital in Austin after completing neuro rehab.

The players

Guillermo Barraza

The father of the 1-year-old child who was injured.

Louis Whitson

The mother's partner who was arrested and charged with injury to the child.

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What they’re saying

“He does smile, He has said some broken words, he said 'mama,' and he has said 'dada'.”

— Guillermo Barraza, Father

“While his son will continue to experience some health challenges, as he is permanently blind and will continue to throw up daily for a few years, his son is in "good health.”

— Guillermo Barraza, Father

What’s next

According to court records, Whitson still faces charges in the case, with a court hearing scheduled for later this month.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations into allegations of non-accidental injuries to young children and the need for comprehensive support services for families dealing with the aftermath of such traumatic events. Despite the life-altering injuries, the child has made significant progress, and his father remains hopeful that he will continue to improve with ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.