A Portland-area man, Joseph Washington, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree assault, for nearly killing his 20-month-old son.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred on April 4, 2024, at a home in Southeast Portland. Washington struck the toddler in the stomach, causing life-threatening injuries, including a perforated small intestine.
A treating physician testified that the injuries would have prevented the child from swallowing or keeping food down, and without urgent care, he likely would not have survived the night. The boy’s mother, who is no longer with Washington, rushed him to the hospital, saving his life.
Investigators revealed that Washington, who was caring for the child at his girlfriend’s residence, later admitted to punching the boy twice out of frustration. His girlfriend confirmed the admission to authorities.
Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga, who prosecuted the case, described the assault as “gruesome,” stating:
“The Defendant’s violence nearly killed this child. Despite his attempts to ignore the child’s symptoms and persuading the mother to have the child go to sleep that night, her decision to take him to the hospital saved his life. The verdict in this case represents accountability for his gruesome behavior.”
During sentencing, prosecutors highlighted Washington’s history of violent crime, including a 2010 federal conviction for child sex trafficking, as well as prior convictions for assault, kidnapping, and domestic violence-related offenses dating back to 2005.
Judge Christopher Ramras handed down the 10-year sentence late last month.
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