A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded in New York City as a 2-year-old boy, who was brutally beaten into a coma by his allegedly drunk father at a Queens shelter, has died in the hospital. The young victim, identified by his mother as Maliek, passed away on Wednesday night, February 4, 2026, just hours after his father was arraigned on serious charges.
A Mother's Grief and Legal Consequences
The child's heartbroken mother, Cyndy Williams, shared the devastating news on social media, posting, "My baby is gone. 2/4/2026 10:26 p.m. I have nothing else to say. I'm done." Law enforcement sources have confirmed the toddler's death, which occurred at Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was on a ventilator and listed in a likely-to-die condition.
Prosecutors from the Queens District Attorney's Office had previously stated in court that if Maliek died, the charges against his father, 30-year-old Dayvon Morrison, would be upgraded. On Thursday, February 5, they reiterated this promise, with a representative emailing, "Reiterating what was said in court yesterday by ADA Caitlyn Muldoon that if the child succumbed, we intend to submit upgraded charges." Morrison was initially arraigned on attempted murder and assault charges, but these are now expected to be elevated following the tragic outcome.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Aftermath
According to authorities, the horrific incident began late on Friday, January 30, when Morrison allegedly severely beat his young son at a shelter in Queens. Prosecutors detailed that the toddler woke up on Saturday morning, January 31, bruised and battered, but instead of seeking medical help, Morrison placed him in a stroller and roamed around Queens and East Harlem for three days.
It was only when Morrison showed up at Maliek's mother's apartment in East Harlem that a witness noticed the boy's critical condition and called 911. The child was rushed to the hospital, where medical examinations revealed devastating injuries. ADA Caitlyn Muldoon stated in court on Wednesday, February 4, that Maliek suffered "a blown right pupil, a laceration to his liver, pelvic fracture," and had "multiple brain bleeds," with swelling to his brain and a damaged brain stem.
Father's Alleged Statements and Arrest
Morrison was arrested early on Monday, February 2, and allegedly told police that he did not remember if he beat his son because he was too drunk at the time. Prosecutors reported that he said, "If you're gonna put me in cuffs, that's fine. I was drunk the other night." This admission, coupled with the severe injuries sustained by the toddler, has intensified the legal scrutiny on this case.
The community and authorities are now grappling with the loss of a young life in such a violent manner, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and domestic violence. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on seeking justice for Maliek and supporting his grieving family during this unimaginable time.
