Edmond police announced Wednesday that a mother and her boyfriend have been taken into custody in connection with the death of a two‑year‑old girl. Court documents detail a pattern of alleged abuse inside the family home that led to the arrests of 22‑year‑old Zyria Walker and her 26‑year‑old boyfriend, Joseph Chlebanowski.
Timeline of events
According to a probable‑cause affidavit, officers responded to the Walker residence on August 15 after receiving a call that the child was unresponsive. Paramedics rushed the toddler to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Three days earlier, the child had been taken to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital for treatment of bruises on her arm, face and fingers. Hospital staff documented the injuries, noting that they were inconsistent with the mother’s explanation that the child had “smashed her fingers in the door.” A sibling later told police that Chlebanowski was responsible for the bruises.
Medical findings
When doctors examined the child after she was found unresponsive, they reported extensive trauma: swelling and bleeding in the brain, a broken arm, fractures to the spine, and additional injuries. The severity of the injuries indicated prolonged and repeated abuse.
The child was pronounced dead three days after the initial hospital visit, confirming the tragic outcome of the alleged maltreatment.
Charges filed
Prosecutors have charged Walker with child abuse and second‑degree murder, alleging that she failed to protect her daughter despite knowledge of the abuse. Chlebanowski faces a first‑degree murder charge, reflecting the allegation that he directly caused the fatal injuries while watching the child and her siblings as the mother was at work.
Both defendants are being held without bond pending further court proceedings.
Community response
The case has shocked the Edmond community, prompting calls for increased vigilance and support for families at risk of domestic violence. Local faith leaders and family‑oriented organizations have urged residents to report any signs of child maltreatment and to seek help through available resources.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the abuse and are working with child‑protective services to ensure the safety of the remaining children in the household.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
