Calif. Babysitter Arrested for Allegedly Shaking a Baby, and Family Says Boy Now Has 'Ruptured Pupil' By KC Baker

A 3-month old baby in California was left with a severe brain injury and “ruptured pupil” after his babysitter shook him, police and the boy’s family allege.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for medical aid involving an unresponsive 3-month-old infant, according to a statement.

The baby, identified as Braxton Musselman, was rushed to a local hospital and into emergency surgery due to severe head trauma. 

Medical professionals determined the injuries were not consistent with any type of fall.

After a thorough investigation, Tonya Hamilton, 50, a “non-relative caregiver,” was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on felony child abuse-related charges, the sheriff’s office said.

In an interview with local KSEE/KGPE, the baby’s father, Chris Musselman, said that Hamilton first told him and the baby’s mother, Tori Nelson, that something was wrong via FaceTime.

“We were initially told by her that she had fallen on him and woke up and he was unresponsive at that time,” Musselman said, per the outlets.

They waited six hours while their infant son underwent surgery and were shocked by what the doctor told them afterward.

“He explained to us that his injuries weren’t consistent with a fall,” he said, per the outlets. “And at that point. he had no other choice as a mandatory reporter to involve CPS and involve the authorities.”

They said they are reeling from what has happened to Braxton.

“He is missing the whole right side of his skull right now,” Nelson said. “So the day that he comes home, we don’t know if he will come home with a skull or without a skull.”

In a GoFundMe campaign to “Support Braxton’s Fight for Recovery,” the couple wrote about the extensive injuries the baby suffered.

“On  January 13, 2026, Braxton suffered a severe brain injury and a ruptured pupil,” they wrote. “The brain injury required two brain surgery’s (sic) with over 300mls of blood needing to be drained.”

“The brain injury and swelling is so severe they’ve had to remove the right half of his skull to take pressure off,” the fundraiser reads.

After a week in the ICU, they wrote that Braxton has since had his breathing tube removed and is no longer being sedated. 

He is starting to regain minimal movement on the left side of his body which was hindered by damage to the right side of his brain, the couple wrote.

“The doctors have been honest with us: the road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly expensive,” the post reads. “Braxton faces potential lifelong challenges, including neurological issues, possible seizures, vision problems, physical therapy, multiple surgeries, specialized equipment, and ongoing medical care that our family simply cannot afford on our own. We are asking for your help to give this innocent little boy the very best chance possible.”

“Braxton is a beautiful, sweet baby who deserves every opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive despite what has happened to him,” they added. “Your support — whether it’s a donation, sharing this page, or just sending prayers — means more to us than words can express.”

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In its statement, the sheriff’s office shared a Public Safety Reminder, saying: “Shaking a baby, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent brain injury or death. If you are feeling overwhelmed, place the baby in a safe location and step away. Ask for help. There is never an excuse for shaking a child. If you suspect child abuse, report it. Your call could save a life.”

Hamilton has been released on bond and is scheduled to return to court on March 9. It is unclear whether she has retained an attorney who can speak on her behalf.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.