A decade in prison has been handed down to an Oregon father who violently assaulted his 20-month-old son, inflicting injuries so severe that the child nearly died. Joseph Washington was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 121 months—or 10 years—in state prison for his role in the brutal attack that occurred on April 4, 2024, in Southeast Portland.
The Devastating Assault
The incident unfolded when Washington, who was caring for his young son at his girlfriend’s home, became angered because the toddler was allegedly “bothering him.” In a fit of rage, Washington admitted to punching the 20-month-old child twice in the stomach. This violent act caused significant internal trauma, specifically a perforation of the small intestine. Medical experts later testified that the injury would have rendered the child unable to eat or retain food within hours, as bile backed up into his digestive system, and that the injury was life-threatening.
A Mother’s Quick Action Saves a Life
Following the assault, Washington contacted the child’s mother, reporting that the boy was experiencing significant vomiting. Despite being advised to seek immediate medical attention, Washington did not take the child to a hospital. Instead, he brought the toddler back to his mother. Upon seeing the child’s distressed condition, the mother immediately rushed him to the hospital. Doctors confirmed the perforation was caused by blunt force trauma and stated that without prompt medical intervention, the child had a high probability of succumbing to his injuries by the following morning.
Legal Reckoning and Sentencing
A jury found Joseph Washington guilty of multiple charges, including Assault in the First Degree for causing serious injury to a child under the age of six, Assault in the Third Degree, and Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga highlighted the severity of Washington’s actions, stating, “The Defendant’s violence nearly killed this child.” Moga added, “Despite his attempts to ignore the child’s symptoms and persuading the mother to have the child go to sleep that night, her decision to take him to the hospital saved his life. The verdict in this case represents accountability for his gruesome behavior.”
A Pattern of Violence
The sentencing also brought to light Washington’s extensive and disturbing criminal history. Prosecutors detailed prior convictions dating back to 2005, including multiple instances of assault, strangulation constituting domestic violence, kidnapping, and a federal conviction for sex trafficking of children. This pattern of violent offenses underscores the gravity of the current crime and suggests a history of deeply troubling behavior.
Oregon’s Child Welfare Context
This tragic case emerges within the broader context of child welfare challenges in Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services’ 2023 Child Welfare Data Book, over 11,000 children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect in the state during Federal Fiscal Year 2023. The data reveals that the threat of harm was the most frequently identified type of abuse, with common family stressors including substance use, domestic violence, and parental involvement with law enforcement. Notably, approximately 36.5% of child victims were five years old and younger, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of the youngest children in our communities. Such incidents not only shatter the peace of family life but also profoundly disrupt a child’s potential for future leisure and overall well-being. This case, reported across Oregon news outlets, serves as a stark reminder that safeguarding children is a collective community responsibility, essential for ensuring every child’s right to a safe life.
Conclusion
Joseph Washington’s 10-year prison sentence represents a significant step towards accountability for the near-fatal injuries inflicted upon his infant son. The court’s decision underscores the legal system’s commitment to protecting children and punishing those who inflict severe harm. The case serves as a critical reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the imperative for vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable children throughout Oregon.
