TULSA – An arrest was made in the investigation into the death of a toddler who was found earlier this week.
Tulsa police arrested the stepfather, Branden Taylor, on complaint of neglect and abuse after the 2-year-old was found dead in south Tulsa Tuesday morning.
The mother, Tina Taylor, spoke with 2 Works for You following the death of her son Michael and arrest of Branden Taylor.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
Police say Michael was discovered with bruises on his body, specifically to his arms and face. When asked about the bruises, Tina Taylor said it all started Monday night.
She claims she left Michael home with her husband, Branden Taylor. Tina Taylor says she went to her mother’s home to feed her pets.
Around an hour passed and she returned home. She says Branden Taylor told her that Michael was asleep for the night.
The next morning police were called to the home where Michael was found dead.
Now, Tina Taylor says she questions what occurred with Branden Taylor and her son Michael after she left the house.
According to Tina Taylor, Branden Taylor fled their home not long after being questioned by police.
Tina Taylor says Branden Taylor’s sister called her.
“She said, ‘I need to tell you something. That bruise on his face came from Michael and Amara playing on the couch and Michael fell off and hitting a football.' She said that's not what happened. She said Branden told her that Michael bit him and it was a reflex. I'm assuming that means he slapped him."
2 Works for You was able to discover that the Department of Human Services visited the Taylor home multiple times in the past on complaint of neglect and abuse.
When asked about these visits, Tina Taylor confirmed them saying, "DHS came out once, well technically twice, because she needed to speak with all four kids. So, she came out twice but I haven't heard from her since."
When asked why DHS visited, Tina Taylor said, “Umm, let me think, something to do with a bruise on somebody, like my 5-year-old had a black eye and a bruise from someone at school, they pushed him down on the playground into a bench, something to do with a diaper rash and, supposedly, I don't change my kids diapers."
Tina Taylor went on to say there other complaints she couldn’t recall. According to her, that is the least of her worries. Tina Taylor says when she heard of the arrest made in connection to Michael’s death, she felt relieved.
"The fact that I’ve been saying I didn't do it is now validated."
She went on to say, “I hope you spend the rest of your life in prison and they put you on death row, because that's my baby and you took him away from me."
She says the arrest makes her feel better, now knowing someone is paying for their actions.
Currently the medical examiner’s office is still examining the body to determine the exact cause of death.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
