A 3-year-old girl from Sandy, Utah, is now fighting for her life after a violent attack that police say was triggered by a simple potty training accident. The man accused of hurting her is her mother’s boyfriend, 38-year-old Tyrel Belone.
What Happened?
On June 28, the little girl had an accident and wet the floor early in the morning. Instead of calmly helping her, police say Belone became very angry. He reportedly threw her so hard that she hit her head on the wall. She was knocked unconscious.
Instead of calling 911 right away, Belone checked to see if she was breathing and then told her mother, Amber Leary, that she was fine. But things were far from fine.
Help Came Too Late
Amber later told police that Belone wouldn’t let her call 911 because he didn’t want to get in trouble. Instead, he called his own mother, a nurse, for advice. She told him the girl needed to go to the hospital immediately. Even then, he refused to get help.
Eventually, Amber called for help after Belone went outside. By then, the little girl had been unconscious for a long time. She was rushed to the hospital and found to have serious head injuries and swelling in her brain. Doctors placed her in a coma.
Warning Signs Were Missed
Amber told police that Belone had already shown signs of being aggressive toward the child. Just a week before the incident, she says he said something terrifying: “I’m going to murder her.” But she says she didn’t speak up because she was afraid.
Now, both Belone and Amber are facing serious charges. Belone has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated child abuse. Amber is also facing child abuse charges because she didn’t stop him or get help sooner.
A Call for Support
This tragic case is a reminder that children are vulnerable and need protection at all times—especially during stressful moments like potty training. Losing patience is never an excuse for violence.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, there are hotlines and support centers that can help. No child should have to suffer because an adult couldn’t handle their emotions.
Let’s remember this little girl and hope she recovers soon. And let’s all do more to protect kids from harm.
