3-Year-Old Dies After Hospital Injuries Prompt Capital Murder Charges Against Mother and Boyfriend

On Sunday, December 7, a 3‑year‑old boy named Dawson Zamora was pronounced dead after being taken off life support at Medical City McKinney. The boy had been in critical condition since October, when hospital staff reported injuries that did not match the caretaker’s explanation. The case now places the boy’s mother, Chelsea Berg, and his boyfriend, Christopher Thomas Alexander, on capital murder charges.

Background of the Incident

McKinney Police first received a call on October 14 from Medical City McKinney staff who said the boy’s injuries were inconsistent with the caretaker’s story. Hospital workers documented severe brain trauma, bleeding in the brain, bruising in various states of healing, and wounds to the chest, stomach, and genitalia. They also noted the boy had been hospitalized in critical condition since that date. The caretaker, 30‑year‑old Christopher Thomas Alexander, had brought the child to the hospital as an unresponsive patient.

Caretaker’s Account

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Alexander claimed he found the child after hearing a ‘thud.’ He told staff that he had no prior knowledge of the boy’s condition before arriving at the hospital. Alexander did not provide any additional explanation for the injuries. He was subsequently arrested on October 14 on charges of felony injury to a child.

Mother’s Account

Mother Chelsea Berg, 31, said she had left the child with Alexander around 7:20 a.m. that day. She later received a text message indicating the boy was eating lunch. When she arrived at the hospital, Alexander called her in a panic and said he was taking the child to the hospital. Berg was shown photographs of the boy’s injuries and insisted he did not have those injuries when she left work.

Hospital Findings and Police Alert

Hospital staff notified police after the boy was found unresponsive with injuries that did not align with the caretaker’s explanation. The injuries included severe brain trauma, brain bleeding, bruising in various healing stages, and wounds to the chest, stomach, and genitalia. These findings prompted an immediate police response. The police reviewed the caretaker’s statement and the medical records.

Police Response

McKinney Police responded to the hospital call on October 14 and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s injuries. The officers collected statements from both Alexander and Berg and reviewed the medical documentation. They also examined the caretaker’s claim that he heard a ‘thud’ before finding the child. The investigation led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Alexander.

Arrest and Initial Charges

Alexander was arrested on October 14 and charged with felony injury to a child. He was also charged with tampering with evidence after investigators determined he had attempted to clean the crime scene following the child’s injuries. Chelsea Berg was charged with felony injury to a child and was released after posting a $100,000 bond. Both individuals faced serious legal consequences.

Update to Capital Murder Charges

After Dawson Zamora’s death on Sunday, December 7, the charges against both Alexander and Berg were elevated to capital murder of a person under 10. The new charge reflects the severity of the case and the boy’s age. Alexander has remained in custody since his arrest on October 14. Berg was rearrested on December 8 following the charge change.

Bond and Legal Status

The bond amount for the murder charge has not yet been set for either Alexander or Berg. It is unclear whether either defendant has retained an attorney to represent them. The case remains under active investigation by the McKinney Police Department. The legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the prosecution.

Hospital Staff’s Role

Medical City McKinney staff played a crucial role in identifying the inconsistencies between the caretaker’s explanation and the boy’s injuries. They alerted the police promptly, ensuring a timely investigation. The staff’s observations included severe brain trauma, bleeding, bruising, and multiple wounds. Their report was a key element in the subsequent legal actions.

Caretaker’s Alleged Tampering

Investigators allege that Christopher Thomas Alexander knowingly attempted to clean a crime scene after the child was harmed. This action led to the tampering with evidence charge. The charge suggests that Alexander tried to remove or alter evidence that could have been used in the investigation. The seriousness of the charge underscores the authorities’ concerns about the integrity of the evidence.

Mother’s Insistence

Chelsea Berg maintained that the boy did not have the injuries she saw when she left work and left him in Alexander’s care. She stated that she was shocked by the photographs presented to her. Berg’s statement was recorded by police during the investigation. Her insistence highlights the conflict between her account and the medical findings.

Legal Implications

The elevation to capital murder charges indicates the court’s assessment of the boy’s death as a result of severe abuse. Capital murder is the most serious criminal charge in Texas for a child under 10. The case demonstrates how medical findings can influence the severity of criminal charges. The legal process will involve further evidence and hearings.

Police Statements

McKinney Police emphasized the importance of hospital staff reporting inconsistencies. Police officers reviewed the caretaker’s claim of a ‘thud’ and found it insufficient to explain the injuries. The police also noted the caretaker’s attempts to clean the scene. Their statements reflect the seriousness of the investigation.

Current Status of the Case

Alexander remains in custody, while Berg’s bond status is pending. The murder bond amount has not been set, and no attorneys have been confirmed. The case is still under investigation by the McKinney Police Department. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as new evidence emerges.

Community Impact

The case has drawn attention from the local community and the broader North Texas area. Residents have expressed concern over child safety and the handling of such cases. The incident underscores the need for vigilance in reporting suspicious injuries. It also highlights the role of medical professionals in protecting vulnerable children.

Summary of Charges

Alexander faces capital murder of a person under 10, felony injury to a child, and tampering with evidence. Berg faces capital murder of a person under 10 and felony injury to a child. Both defendants are currently in custody or awaiting bond. The charges reflect the severity of the alleged abuse.

Potential Outcomes

Should the case proceed to trial, the defendants could face the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. The legal process will involve further investigation and court hearings. The prosecution will present medical evidence and witness statements. The defense may argue procedural issues or lack of intent.

Importance of Reporting

The incident highlights the critical role of reporting suspicious injuries in hospitals. Medical staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and to alert law enforcement. Prompt reporting can lead to swift investigations and potential prevention of further harm. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility of healthcare providers.

Closing

With Dawson Zamora’s death still fresh, the community watches as the legal system moves forward. The case illustrates how medical findings and police investigations can lead to the most serious criminal charges. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s injuries and death. The outcome of this case will have lasting implications for child protection policies in the region.