Couple Accused of Starving 9-Year-Old Girl

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- A San Antonio man and woman are facing serious charges after they allegedly starved and abused a 9-year-old girl.

According to law enforcement, the investigation began after an ambulance was called to an apartment complex for reports of an unconscious child. The paramedics called the police when they realized the girl appeared to be excessively thin and malnourished.

When the girl was transported to the hospital, medical staff determined she only weighed 35 pounds. She also showed evidence of having her legs whipped and ankles restrained.

The girl told doctors she was being starved by her mother and her mother's boyfriend. She also claimed they handcuffed her ankles and hit her with a dog leash because they "think that she steals."

According to a report released by law enforcement, pictures show “the victim is extremely emaciated. Her bones, especially at her joints, are very pronounced. All of the victim’s ribs are visible, especially on her back. The victim also has visible injuries all over her body."

According to the doctors who treated the victim was lucky to be alive.

When investigators spoke with the child's mother, Lakendra Williams, and her boyfriend, Walter Hawthorne, they claimed the girl was starving herself.

They also claimed they had tried to get her to a treatment center but had not taken the child to a doctor for more than a year.

Williams and Hawthorne have both been charged with injury to a child.