LOUISVILLE, KY – A woman and her boyfriend are facing serious charges following an incident where a 3-year-old boy reportedly experienced severe burns on his hands and forearms. Authorities claim the couple waited several hours before seeking medical help.
Breanna Nicole Lair, 24, and Jacob Sneed, 25, have been charged with first-degree child abuse. Additionally, Sneed is accused of assault. The allegations emerged after the boy arrived at Norton Children’s Hospital with burns described by police as covering both hands and forearms.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, Lair had left her son alone with Sneed for about an hour. During this time, Sneed allegedly submerged the child’s hands in scorching water. Upon learning of her son’s injuries, Lair reportedly delayed getting medical care for up to three hours and provided false information to hospital staff regarding the source of the burns, authorities stated.
Further complicating the situation, Lair had been under a directive from Child Protective Services not to leave her son alone with Sneed. This instruction was related to an ongoing investigation about previous neglect accusations, though specifics about the earlier case were not disclosed.
Lair’s actions, including ignoring the CPS order and allegedly misleading medical personnel, contributed significantly to the risk and eventual harm suffered by her son, police indicated in their report. The affidavit did not provide current details on the boy’s condition or who might be caring for him following his mother’s arrest.
Both Lair and Sneed are in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Their court hearing is set for April 15.
In a related development, it was reported that Lair is employed as an instructional assistant at Wheeler Elementary in the Jefferson County Public Schools, although her job status remains uncertain following her arrest.
This case highlights ongoing concerns over child safety and the importance of adhering to protective orders, as well as the critical nature of timely medical intervention in cases of severe injury.