A 23-year-old professional boxer is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities in Mesa, Arizona, said a 2-year-old boy suffered severe injuries consistent with child abuse and later died at a hospital.
Kishawn Porter was arrested Sept. 29 after emergency crews responded shortly after 4 a.m. to an apartment in the area of Brown Road in Mesa for a report of a child in medical distress.
The toddler was taken to a nearby hospital, where attempts to save him were unsuccessful. Doctors noticed suspicious bruising on the boy’s body and alerted police, prompting homicide detectives to investigate.
Autopsy revealed severe internal injuries
An autopsy performed the following day revealed extensive internal trauma, according to authorities and court records.
The injuries included both healing and recent rib fractures, damage to the child’s liver and stomach, torn blood vessels in the intestines and a transected pancreas. Authorities also reported substantial internal bleeding, with about 500 milliliters of blood found in the child’s abdomen.
Investigators said the injuries were not consistent with an accidental fall. The presence of rib fractures in different stages of healing also raised concerns that the toddler may have suffered injuries before the incident that led to his death.
During Porter’s initial court appearance, a prosecutor said authorities believe the 2-year-old was struck multiple times with Porter’s hands and possibly a sandal.
Court records identify the toddler as the child of Porter’s girlfriend.
Police investigate allegations involving another child
Detectives also accused Porter of physically abusing a 1-year-old child who was in the home.
Authorities allege the younger child was struck in the mouth, rib cage and midsection. Investigators also documented bruising on Porter’s knuckles as part of their investigation.
The relationship between Porter and the younger child has been described differently in early reports. Some reporting identified the child as Porter’s own, while other court-related reporting said that relationship remained unclear.
As of the latest reporting, allegations involving the 1-year-old had not resulted in separate formal charges being submitted to prosecutors.
Murder and child abuse charges filed
Porter was initially booked following his arrest as investigators continued working on the case. After the autopsy findings became available, authorities added more serious allegations connected with the toddler’s death.
Police have reported that Porter faces first-degree murder and felony child-abuse-related charges.
During his first court appearance, prosecutors also raised concerns about Porter being released while the case is pending. A judge ordered a $1.5 million cash-only bond.
Porter remains in custody, and his next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6.
The charges against Porter are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
