OK - Damien Kai King, 13 mos, died from child abuse, couple arrested, Guthrie, Logan Co, 10 Jan 2019

[cybervampira]

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation - Authorized Page

UPDATE: Michelle King and Justin Lastra in custody for First Degree Murder

On January 8, 2019, the Guthrie Police Department requested OSBI investigative assistance for possible child abuse. On January 8, 2019 shortly before 10 AM, Justin Lastra (DOB: 06/14/88) called 911 to report a 13 month old child fell. The child was treated at Mercy Hospital Logan County, and transferred to OU Medical Center with Non-accidental abusive head trauma. The child’s mother, Michelle King (DOB: 02/01/90) and Lastra were arrested at the Guthrie Police Department for child abuse.

On the evening of January 10, 2019, the child, Damien Kai King (DOB: 11/27/17) died at OU Medical Center. Michelle King and Justin Lastra remain in custody, now for First Degree Murder. The OSBI continues to investigate the matter.

Oklahoma Couple’s Charges Upgraded To Murder After Toddler Dies

Video: Child suffers head injury; two people arrested

Following several examinations, including CT scans, the child was found to have a traumatic brain injury and several fractures, including to the spine and ribs, along with lung contusions, liver lacerations and bowel contusions, according to the court document.

Lastra said the child would try to walk but instead would fall on the hardwood floors causing the bruises. He reportedly told the investigator the child would fall and never put his hand out to keep him from hitting his head. He added the child was was accident prone and “liked to fall.”

A child abuse expert says the injuries were the result of forceful trauma and the injuries would not be expected from a fall down the stairs.

The expert added the injuries indicate the child was repeatedly forcefully struck over his body and head, or that his body and head were forcefully struck onto a firm object.

With the nature of the brain injury, the child had severe symptoms shortly after the injury occurred, according to the expert.

As earlier reported this week, Lastra has several prior convictions for domestic assault and battery along with other guilty pleas.

Guthrie Couple Faces First Degree Murder Charges In 13-Month-Old's Death

 

[windrower]

And here we go again. Sickening.

 

[silverjug]

I don't know about USA but here in the UK the general prison population have a special space reserved in their hearts for people like these.

 

[Elainera]

The mother does look distraught but the guy .... terrifying!

It pains me to imagine what little Damien must have endured

 

[Peeledme]

The mother does look distraught but the guy .... terrifying!

It pains me to imagine what little Damien must have endured

I know Justin Lastra...we took him in when he was a teenager. He was extremely understanding and gentle with my bipolar/ADHD preschooler as well as my 14year old son with anger issues. I saw what it did to him when his wife took his kids away and I KNOW he is dying inside.

 

[Peeledme]

I know Justin Lastra...we took him in when he was a teenager. He was extremely understanding and gentle with my bipolar/ADHD preschooler as well as my 14year old son with anger issues. I saw what it did to him when his wife took his kids away and I KNOW he is dying inside.

It was actually hard to believe how sensitive he was after everything his parents had done to him!!!

 

[Elainera]

I know Justin Lastra...we took him in when he was a teenager. He was extremely understanding and gentle with my bipolar/ADHD preschooler as well as my 14year old son with anger issues. I saw what it did to him when his wife took his kids away and I KNOW he is dying inside.

Thank you for presenting another perspective. This must be a big shock for you as well.