HOUSTON – A judge issued a $200,000 bond each for the couple accused in the death of their 2-year-old son in 2022.
Fredrick Brown, 26, and Christin Patrick, 26, are facing charges of injury to a child (causing) serious bodily injury.
Video from probable cause court showed the couple standing apart from one another while they faced a judge.
Investigators said the incident happened in the 5900 block of Flintlock Road at about 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2022.
Brown and Patrick told officers the 2-year-old, identified as Saint Brown, had fallen down the stairs, but according to investigators, that story didn’t line up.
An autopsy conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined the toddler had suffered blunt force trauma. He appeared to be malnourished and had several abrasions on his body, including torn gums, an unattached retina, bite marks on his arms and scars on his face.
The manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to police.
Brown and Patrick were arrested on Wednesday and charged for their alleged involvement in their son’s death.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Patrick admitted to using a wooden ruler to discipline the 2-year-old while Brown held him down, which caused the puncture on his forehead, but she denied allegations of abuse and neglect.
The Harris County District Clerk’s Office said Brown was also charged with possession of prohibited weapon, and possession of marijuana. Investigators believe Brown may have been selling drugs out of the apartment.