A Springfield man has been charged for allegedly keeping a six-year-old kid underwater.
According to online court filings, Donald Joseph Smith is charged with one count of child abuse or neglect. According to the Springfield Police Department’s (SPD) probable cause statement, Smith was released on parole for a 20-year armed criminal action term in March 2024 and was staying at the victim and his family’s home when the event occurred in May.
The victim’s mother informed SPD that she was inside the house when she heard her son screaming from outside. When she got outside seconds later, she said she saw Smith with his hand on her son’s chest, shoving him into a water-filled sandbox while he tried to get out. According to documents, Smith moved away as soon as the victim’s mother stepped outside.
In an interview with the victim, the kid claimed Smith grabbed him by the hair and shoved his head underwater. According to documents, the boy told interviewers that he couldn’t breathe and that Smith struck him on the cheek when he tried to turn his head to the side.
The youngster also stated that Smith submerged him because Smith had asked him not to enter the pool.
When authorities interviewed Smith, documents show that he said the youngster was kicking his sisters out of the sandbox and refused to stop when Smith requested.
Smith claimed he pressed his finger to the victim’s chest to draw his attention, but the youngster yelled at him to stop. According to records, Smith said the victim’s mother responded by indicating the youngster didn’t enjoy it, to which Smith replied “okay” and backed away.
Smith’s criminal history includes assault, robbery, and armed criminal action, according to the probable cause statement. During the interview, investigators observed his explosive temper.
Smith is now being held in the Greene County Jail under a $10,000 bond.
Reference:
Springfield man accused of holding six-year-old’s head underwater