2 caretakers arrested in death of child

Two caretakers were arrested in the January 2020 death of 3-year-old Tarika Carter in Harris County, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Tuesday.

Shawanda Harris, 35, and Huey Hamilton, 52, were taken to Harris County Jail on a charge of injury to a child. Harris’ bond was set at $150,000.

The total bond for Hamilton, who also was charged with possession of a controlled substance, was set at $255,000.

Deputies first encountered the injured child Jan. 23, 2020, at Texas Children’s Hospital. She suffered severe bruising and injuries over much of her body, the sheriff ’s office said.

Harris and Hamilton were later identified as the child’s caretakers. A year-long investigation by medical, forensic and criminal investigators resulted in the felony charges Monday.

“I thank everyone that put in countless hours of hard work to make these arrests,” Gonzalez said. “No child deserves this. All those harming innocent children must be held accountable.”