DHS to review Tulsa toddler's death case

A Tulsa toddler who died after he was burned with scalding hot water may have been abused in the weeks before his death.<br/><br/>New reports show the state Department of Human Services is investigating

Wednesday, June 22nd 2005, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa toddler who died after he was burned with scalding hot water may have been abused in the weeks before his death.

New reports show the state Department of Human Services is investigating whether the 2 year-old's death was neglect or abuse.

DHS was investigating two reported allegations of child abuse when little Keenan Taylor died on June 9th.

The boy's father, 23-year old Carlis Ball is charged with first-degree murder.
Ball told Tulsa Police he tripped on the toddler and accidentally spilled boiling water on him.

Keenan did not receive any medical attention for nearly 24-hours and died the next day.
Ball told police he didn't call for help because he was scared he might get in trouble.
Police say there was evidence that Ball hurt the 2-year old on purpose.

Court records show police found a TV blocking a closet in Ball's apartment. They also found a knife with blood on it by the closet door.

And a police report says the place where Ball says he spilled water on the child didn't look like it had been wet recently because it was still dirty.

DHS says it had three reports of abuse in the weeks before Keenan's death, but found no cause for immediate action. DHS officials will review the case to see if anything can be done differently in the future.