Dad charged in death of 2-year-old son (Houston, Texas)

Is ERNEST EUGENE OVEAL, JR. a single dad? Sure sounds like it. Though the boy was hospitalized at 10:30 at night, there is still zero mention of a mother anywhere in this story-- though there is mention of Daddy tending to "his" other child. So is this a situation involving custody/visitation? Hopefully the media will clarify this matter at some point.

Dad has now been charged in the little boy's death, which was apparently caused by abusive head trauma.

Interesting aside. I have seen studies that show that potty training/dirty diaper issues are often powerful child abuse triggers. Especially for men, who seem to have less patience with this sort of thing.

http://www.khou.com/news/Houston-dad-charged-in-toddlers-death-114497839.html

Houston dad charged in toddler's death
by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 1:05 PM

HOUSTON -- A 25-year-old Houston father is facing charges in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son.

Police said around 10:30 p.m. on January 20, Ernest Eugene Oveal, Jr., was rushed to the hospital with head trauma and bruising to his body.

He was pronounced dead after arrival.

Police said earlier that night, the boy’s father, Ernest Eugene Oveal, found his son in bed, lying in feces with a soiled diaper at their home in the 9700 block of Mesa Drive.

Oveal said he put his son on a training toilet and left the room to tend to his other child.

When he returned, Oveal told police the toddler had thrown feces in the room.

Oveal said he got a belt and disciplined his son, but during the punishment the boy went limp and stopped breathing.

Investigators were awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

Oveal is charged with injury to a child.