Dad arrested in serious beating of 16-month-old son; boy had perforated bowel, life-threatening injuries (Orangeburg County, South Carolina)

Dad is identified as RYAN LAMAR BESSINGER.

http://www.counton2.com/story/27528821/orangeburg-man-arrested-in-child-abuse-case

Orangeburg man arrested in child abuse case

Posted: Dec 02, 2014 3:16 PM EST Updated: Dec 02, 2014 3:16 PM EST

By News 2 Staff

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the arrest of a 25-year-old Orangeburg man in the serious beating of his 16-month-old child. #Ravenell explains “The 16-month-old child's mother sought medical treatment for her son on December 1 when he was not having regular bowel movements or ‘acting as a normal child.' A medical evaluation indicated the child had internal injuries and needed emergency surgery. Our investigation indicates the Ryan Lamar Bessinger, the child's father, struck the child in the abdomen on November 25 and the child had been suffering from those injuries ever since.

Bessinger is charged with Abuse/Parent, guardian, other allowing another person to inflict great bodily harm upon a child: The sheriffs office says "Based on the investigation by the OCSO, the defendant, Ryan Lamar Bessinger, did commit the crime of inflicting great bodily harm upon a child, SC Code of Laws 16-03-0095. On November 25, 2014, the defendant, who is the father of the toddler, did inflict great and unnecessary pain and suffering upon the 16-month-old minor victim by striking him with a karate chop to the mid-section causing bruising and swelling to the point that the victim suffered life threatening injuries. The defendant did submit a voluntary statement admitting that he hit the child and waited nearly a week later to seek proper medical attention. This incident occurred at 2753 Shillings Bridge Road, Orangeburg, SC which is located in the county of Orangeburg, state of South Carolina."

Ravenell concludes “Under no circumstances, should a 16-month-old child be squeezed or struck by a grown man with such force to fracture ribs and perforate the child's bowel. This is an ongoing investigation and we will determine if other adults knew about this baby's injuries and failed to protect him from his father.”

Orangeburg Magistrate Rob Clariday denied bond for Bessinger during a 2:30 p.m. court appearance today.