Minnesota nurse who tortured 18-month-old son to death claims cuts on his lips and genitals were self-inflicted
BARNESVILLE, MINNESOTA: Police have revealed how a foster mother murdered a toddler whom she was planning to adopt before claiming his disturbing injuries were the result of "self-harm." 35-year-old Kelly Jo Anderson reportedly offered that excuse after brutally abusing 18-month-old Henry Anderson, leaving him with several bruises across his body and head as well as cuts to his lips and genitals.
Last month, Anderson, who worked as a nurse in Barnesville, Minnesota, rushed the toddler to her local emergency room. However, he was declared dead upon arrival. Henry was reportedly "blue and lifeless" when he was brought to the hospital, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Meanwhile, Anderson claimed the baby boy had "self-injured" by throwing himself around.
Doctors heard from the suspect that she had been bathing little Henry the night before she brought him to the hospital when he "threw himself several times from the bath to the toilet," per court documents.
Medics had already grown suspicious when the nurse said she believed her foster son had suffered a seizure as a result. Kyle Anderson, her husband, disputed the self-harm claims and clarified that Henry had never suffered seizures. He has not been charged with any crime in Henry's tragic death.
A doctor told authorities that the toddler's injuries were definitely not consistent with Anderson's version of events. "The child had a cut on the inside of his lip, numerous bruises on his back and side, a small bump on the back of his head, multiple marks on his face and a cut to his genitals," according to court documents obtained by the Pioneer Press.
When doctors checked Henry's body temperature, it indicated that he had been dead for at least 40 minutes when he was admitted to hospital.
A post mortem examination determined the cause of death as asphyxiation associated with blunt-force trauma. The medical examiner ultimately ruled that Henry was the victim of a homicide. Anderson is currently being held without bail on murder charges. That said, no motive for the death has been established as yet.
Now, Henry's heartbroken grandparents are planning to build a playground in his honor. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the grieving family to raise funds for the project. "Henry was a vibrant boy, full of life and he had a smile that lit up a room. Henry spent a lot of time with his Grandma Kayla who loved him so much. Henry was a sweet and happy little boy who touched so many hearts," the page reads, before noting how "Grandma Kayla would like to purchase some playground equipment in Henry's memory."
"This fund is set up to help his family with some of his funeral expenses and also purchase some toddler playground equipment in Henry's memory to be placed in the park in Wendell, MN," it continues. "This equipment would be for younger children and would be of commercial park quality to be compliant in a park setting."
"Henry was a special little boy and his extended family were a big part of his life," the family adds. "We are so saddened that this could have happened to our little Henry. Our world has been shattered, our little Henry will be so missed."