Baltimore, Maryland — A 20-year-old Maryland woman is facing a first-degree child abuse charge after her 2-month-old son died from head trauma, severe dehydration and malnutrition, according to police and court records.
Taylor Williams was arrested following an investigation into the death of Malik Woodard, who was taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatrics on Aug. 31, 2025, after authorities received a report of a non-breathing infant near the intersection of Loch Raven Boulevard and Gorsuch Avenue in Baltimore.
The case took a disturbing turn after the baby’s great-grandmother reportedly told investigators that she noticed the infant making unusual noises and appearing to struggle to breathe. According to charging documents cited by local media, she said Williams told her to leave the room after she raised concerns about the child’s condition.
Great-Grandmother Reportedly Raised Concerns About Baby
According to the investigation, the great-grandmother checked on Malik after hearing him make strange noises. She reportedly noticed signs that the infant was having difficulty breathing and alerted Williams.
The woman told investigators that Williams allegedly ordered her out of the room after she brought the baby’s condition to her attention.
Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the exchange or established through a court finding what happened during the period before emergency responders were called.
The great-grandmother’s account is part of the evidence described in charging documents, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
What Happened the Morning the Infant Died?
Williams reportedly gave detectives a different account of the events that morning.
According to the charging documents, she told investigators that she went to the bathroom and returned to find her son unresponsive. She said she sought help from a nearby driver, called 911 and attempted CPR.
Williams also reportedly told investigators that Malik did not have any preexisting medical conditions.
Emergency responders took the infant to Johns Hopkins Pediatrics, where he was pronounced dead. Police subsequently investigated the circumstances surrounding his death.
Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore determined that Malik died from head trauma that caused bleeding in the brain, along with severe dehydration and malnutrition, according to the investigation.
The medical findings became a central part of the case as detectives worked to determine the circumstances that led to the infant’s death.
Authorities have not publicly detailed all the evidence supporting the allegations or explained when the injuries and other medical conditions developed.
Homicide detectives continued investigating the case before an arrest warrant was issued.
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Maryland Mother Arrested After Investigation
Police described the investigation as extensive before officers arrested Williams on Oct. 5 in the 300 block of Kane Street in Baltimore.
She was booked into the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center and subsequently posted bond on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to the report.
Williams has been charged with first-degree child abuse resulting in death. The charge is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What Happens Next in the Case?
Williams is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 2.
The hearing is expected to be a procedural step in the criminal case, as the allegations and evidence move through the court system. Further proceedings will determine how the case advances.
For now, the investigation and court records describe a case involving an infant’s death, reported concerns about his breathing and medical findings that included brain bleeding, severe dehydration and malnutrition.
What are your thoughts on this case and the importance of responding quickly when an infant shows signs of medical distress? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
