A South Carolina couple was arrested on Wednesday, days after their 4-year-old daughter reportedly died from being put in scalding hot water.
On February 16, hospital staff contacted Richland County police about Hope Fields being treated for severe burns and a fractured femur. WJBF reported that Fields was on life support for two days before succumbing to her injuries.
The girl’s father, Wilbur Fields, 34, allegedly confessed to submerging his daughter in hot water for soiling her pants. Her mother, Fifi Hill-Fields, 32, said she was present during the ordeal, according to WBJF.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Hope Fields went 24 hours without medical treatment. Police also said she suffered cardiac three times while en route to the hospital, according to WLTX.
Wilbur Fields and Hill-Fields are charged with homicide by child abuse and two counts of neglect by a legal guardian. They remain jailed.
Three other children, between the ages of 5 months to 10 years old, were reportedly in the home during the deadly incident. They have been placed in protective custody.
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[Featured image: Hope Fields/Richland County Sheriff’s Office]
