Local

Criminal complaint: Woman accused of beating 6-year-old daughter

PITTSBURGH — A local woman is facing charges after police said she beat her 6-year-old daughter after the girl accidentally urinated on the floor.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 19, the girl told doctors at the Child Advocacy Center of UPMC Children’s Hospital that her mother, Kewonia Foster, had hit her with a belt because she urinated on the floor.

The 6-year-old said she sustained multiple injuries to her legs and face during the alleged beating, according to the complaint.

After the assault, Foster told the girl that if anyone asked her how the injury occurred, she was to answer ''the cat scratched me,” the complaint said.

The girl said she was then sent upstairs to take a shower and change her pants.

Authorities said Foster failed to seek medical attention for the girl’s injuries.

The complaint said the girl was picked up by her father, according to child custody orders, and once at his house, he noticed bruises on her face.

Her father, Rashawn Walker, took the girl to the hospital for treatment. Upon further investigation, Walker told police that he often noticed his daughter had bruises and marks when he picked her up from Foster’s home.

Walker said his daughter told him that Foster would hit her in her face if she made a mistake with her homework or did something wrong at the house.

Foster, 27, is facing endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault and simple assault charges. She faces a preliminary hearing July 18.

Dr. Jennifer Wolford, who works at the Child Advocacy Center at Children's Hospital, said children are vulnerable and all adults have a responsibility to look out for their safety.

“It’s our duty as adults in these children's lives to not be afraid to speak up when we're worried and to reach out and to help that family get the help that they need,” Wolford said.

Anyone wishing to report possible child abuse can do so via the PA Child Line. The number is (800) 932-0313. Callers can remain anonymous.