Autopsy: Henderson toddler died of head injuries

Henderson, N.C. — A Henderson toddler whose stepfather is accused of abusing her died of "non-accidental" head injuries, according to an autopsy report released Tuesday.

Destini Bullock, who was 18 months old, had a large bruise and cuts on her left cheek, face and eyelid and hemorrhages in both eyes, the report states. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was blunt-force trauma.

Destini's stepfather, Dontavious Washington, 23, was charged with felony child abuse inflicting serious injury after her death on May 20. Earlier, police said they expected to file homicide charges in the case.

Police said that Destini went into cardiac arrest at her family's house at 130 Booth Ave. early May 19. EMS workers to her to Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson, then UNC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill, where she died.

Initially, authorities were told that Destini was sleeping in the arms of a male caregiver, who became startled, jumped out of bed and dropped her, according to medical documents.

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Latest Comments

In response to the comments from RB aka Spirit Warrior Woman.... I have not read anywhere that the mother was at work and the story of how this happened changed according to authorities. This tells me that the mother and the stepfather had to be partnering the story. And to sarahsoandso....God is not just my God and God Bless you. lakeyk1

lakeyk1
September 14, 2011 5:49 p.m.

For all your pleading to your god... innocent children and babies are brutally murdered every day. It's sickening the way you go on.

sarahsoandso
September 14, 2011 5:00 p.m.

MY Advice - don't have kids if your not ready for the responsibility of them - if the stepfather was 23 - i'd like to find out how old the mother is - it's terrible that these young adults are becoming parents at such early ages- especially teens where they are having children and who is supporting these babies -their mothers - this child was born into a terrible situation and whose life was taken - an 18 month old - terrible - that young couple should be ashamed of themselves

marciamal1
September 14, 2011 4:24 p.m.

And lakeyk - "Get some help or give the child up for adoption so the child can at least have a chance for a better life, or life period. If you don't want to be tied down with the responsibility of a little one then do the birth control, there are options for adults, but not for the children."

How do you know this child wasn't wanted by the mother who gave birth to it?

RB aka Spirit Warrior Woman
September 14, 2011 3:57 p.m.

lakeyk - "The mother of this child and the stepfather both need to be put away from their existing lives."

Why the mother? She was at work. Unless you have some proof she knew the guy abused the child and went to work anyway.

Do you?

RB aka Spirit Warrior Woman
September 14, 2011 3:56 p.m.