Couple Accused Of Assaulting, Burning 3-Year-Old With Scalding Hot Water

HARMONY, NC — An Iredell County couple faces multiple child abuse charges after allegedly assaulting and burning a 3-year-old child with scalding water.

The child’s father, Justin Osbourne, 23, and step-mother, Amy Clew, 21, were arrested and charged with one count each of Felony Child Abuse and three counts each of Misdemeanor Child Abuse.

Officials say they were called to Davis Regional Medical Center Saturday evening after a 3-year-old was brought in with severe burns to both feet and legs resulting from exposure to extremely hot water. The injuries also appeared to be several days old, officials say.

Investigators say the child also had other signs of assault. The child has been transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital for treatment, according to officials, and is currently in critical condition in the pediatric ICU.

Detectives learned that Clew and Osbourne were also primary care givers for three other children, and contacted Iredell County DSS to take custody and remove them from the home.

Officials say the couple is being held under a $1 million secured bond.