2 arrested after infant suffers severe burns from toilet water, deputies say

KINGSTREE, S.C. (WCBD) – Two people are facing charges after authorities say an infant suffered severe burns from water in the bathroom toilet.

Investigators with the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded to a hospital on March 18 about an infant with burns.

An investigation determined that Nijel Flowers, 25, and Mahogahany Hemingway, 21, placed their infant child at unreasonable risk, affecting the infant’s life, health and safety by allowing the infant to be severely burned, according to the sheriff’s office.

Arrest warrants show Hemingway and Flowers knew that water inside the toilet at a Sherrill Avenue residence was extremely hot – for at least a year – and did not take steps to correct the problem.

While affidavits do not show how the child suffered the burns, digital readings of water inside the toilet bowl taken by law enforcement showed a temperature exceeding 129.9 degrees.

Flowers and Hemingway surrendered to the sheriff’s office on April 11 and were booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center on charges of unlawful conduct toward a child.

The investigation is ongoing.