Milton woman charged with several counts of child abuse

A Milton woman was arrested on several counts of child abuse after police say she held three children against their will and beat them with high heel shoes, a baseball bat, and belts.

According to the Delaware State Police Department, the investigation began shortly after 1 a.m., Thursday, November 14 when troopers were dispatched to Beebe Medical Center in reference to a child abuse case.

Troopers arrived and learned that a 12-year-old girl had been brought to the hospital by her father with significant injuries to her face. It was determined that the girl had escaped her home where she was being held by her mother, 35-year-old Christina Morris, and physically abused, according to police.

Further investigation revealed that two other children were being held in the residence, a 14-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl. Troopers responded to the residence on West Circle Drive in Milton where Morris was taken into custody without incident.

The two children were also located in the residence and taken into custody.

It was learned that the 12-year-old and 14-year old had been physically abused by Morris on several occasions, according to police, in which Morris utilized a high heel shoe, baseball bat, and belts.

Morris also allegedly handcuffed the 12-year-old and threatened to kill her, police said. She prevented all of the children from leaving the residence.

All three children were transported to the A.I Dupont Hospital for further treatment.

Troopers obtained a search warrant for the residence and located the baseball bat, belts, and handcuffs. It was also discovered that the windows of the residence were frosted and there were blocks in the windows to prevent them from being opened.

Morris was charged with Child Abuse 1st (4 counts), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts), Unlawful Imprisonment First Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts), Unlawful Imprisonment Second Degree (2 counts), Terroristic Threatening, and Child Abuse 3rd.

Morris was arraigned and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $128500.00 cash only bond.