Preliminary Hearing Held For OK Man Accused Of Severely Injuring Child

The district attorney and the defense took turns questioning four witnesses Tuesday, in the preliminary hearing for a man accused of seriously injuring a 1-year-old boy.

Back in December, Muskogee police arrested Nicolas Dobbs, saying he sent Gunner Asher to the hospital needing emergency brain surgery.

Tuesday, Gunner's paternal grandmother was in the court and said her grandson is doing better, but at 2 years old, he's far from his old self.

On November 19, 2015, paramedics rushed the unconscious Gunner to St. Francis for emergency brain surgery; doctors said they found bruising on his face and swelling on his brain and had to remove a piece of his skull to relieve the pressure.

1/6/2016 Related Story: Muskogee Shaken Baby Out Of Hospital Following Brain Surgery, Father Says

"Even though he has the problems he has, he smiles all the time," said Gunner’s grandmother, Sheila Asher.

She said, during his hospital stay, Gunner suffered two strokes. Now, he's nearly blind, paralyzed in one arm, has limited movement in his right hand and has difficulty walking.

And because of continued swelling, doctors have not put back the missing piece of his skull.

"Angry at the people that let this happen, sad for my grandson and our families," Asher said.

Dobbs is the man police say is responsible. He's been in jail since December.

12/15/2016 Related Story: Muskogee Police Arrest Man Connected To Abuse Of 1 Year Old

For about two hours Tuesday, attorneys questioned four witnesses - Gunner's maternal grandmother and mother, a pediatric doctor and the investigating officer.

Witness testimony says shaking caused Gunner's injuries.

Asher said, "It's hard. He's relearning everything - all of his progress is due to his older brother and sister working with him, the therapist, the doctors, dad."

Asher said it's hard waiting for justice; but, in the meantime, Gunner's getting therapy three to four times a week, which has helped a lot. Asher said things can only get better.

"He is a fighter he is strong he is happy," she said.

Dobbs’ attorney had no comment. His arraignment is at 1:30 p.m. August 4th.