Police: Mother arrested after child found with burns, bite marks

CONWAY, AR – A Conway mother has been arrested after her 4-year-old son was found with burns, bite marks, and a black eye.

The arrest stems from a December 20th incident when detectives were called by officials at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, who were concerned with 23-year-old Marsha Oliver’s account of how her son was burned.

Police say Oliver told them a story about how she was drawing a bath for her 4-year-old and 3-year-old when she had to leave the room. According to police, Oliver said she shut off the water and took the kids out of the bath. After about 5 minutes, she heard her 4-year-old scream, returned to find him in the tub.

Police say the boy received 2nd degree burns over 12% of his body. Oliver told police that the water was at a “normal” temperature when she left the bathroom. Police also say Oliver waited for 7 hours before taking her son to the hospital.

According to Conway Police, Marsha Oliver changed her story several times describing how her son was burned. Police also say that doctor’s at the hospital noted the boy had a black and swollen eye that occurred recently, along with old scars from healed burns, bite marks, and facial bruising.

At that time, the Department of Human Services took custody of Oliver’s four children. After investigation, Oliver was arrested January 9th and charged with first degree battery.