Hailey
A tragic case involving the death of a 2-year-old boy has led to serious criminal charges against his stepfather.
The child, who was initially reported to have been injured in a fall, died from what authorities now describe as extensive and suspicious injuries.
Charges Filed in Sedgwick County Court
Shawn Lewis, 32, has been formally charged with first-degree murder and child abuse following the death of John Landon DeLano, a 2-year-old boy in his care. The charges were announced on Wednesday in Sedgwick County Court, Kansas.
Lewis was arrested after Wichita police responded to Wesley Medical Center on July 3, where the toddler had been taken with severe injuries.
Lewis had claimed the child was hurt in a fall. However, investigators quickly became suspicious when the injuries did not match his explanation.
Details of the Child’s Injuries
According to Brandon DeLano, John’s biological father, the medical staff at the hospital shared devastating details about his son’s condition. The toddler had:
- Bruising on his chest, back, arms, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, and around his neck
- Severe brain swelling and bleeding, requiring part of his skull to be surgically removed
- Multiple fractured ribs, with four broken ribs on the right side and one on the left, all believed to be 6–8 weeks old, suggesting previous abuse
These findings were inconsistent with the narrative of a simple fall and pointed to prolonged and possibly repeated physical abuse.
Toddler Succumbed to Injuries
Despite medical efforts, John Landon DeLano died from his injuries on Saturday morning, just days after he was hospitalized.
The extent and severity of his injuries have shocked the local community and prompted a deeper investigation into the circumstances of his care under Lewis.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Shawn Lewis is currently being held in custody with bond set at $2 million. The high bond reflects the severity of the charges and the risk associated with his release. Authorities have not yet revealed if additional charges or investigations are pending, including any prior history of abuse.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The case has garnered significant attention in Wichita and beyond, as many express outrage over the nature of the injuries and the tragic loss of a young life.
Wichita police continue to investigate the timeline and history of John’s injuries to determine if other individuals were aware of or involved in the abuse.
Officials urge the public to report any suspicions of child abuse to authorities, emphasizing that early intervention could save lives.
The heartbreaking death of John Landon DeLano has led to murder and child abuse charges against his stepfather, Shawn Lewis.
The details revealed by hospital staff indicate prolonged physical abuse, raising serious concerns about the child’s safety prior to his death.
As Lewis awaits trial, the case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and acting swiftly in cases of suspected abuse.