Child with disabilities in coma after suffering burns, one arrest made
KERRVILLE, Texas -- The family of a child with disabilities who is in a medically induced coma after suffering serious burns, believe the 10-year-old was intentionally set on fire.
Kayden Culp's family said Wednesday that they believe he was intentionally set on fire in what may have been a bullying incident. According to the Kerrville Fire Marshall’s Office, one child was taken into custody and charged with first-degree arson in the case.
The family's allegations that the attacked was planned, differ greatly from details revealed by Kerrville officials during a press conference Thursday.
"Based on the results of our preliminary investigation, it does not appear that this event was premeditated or that there was any intent to harm any of the juveniles present," Kerrville Fire Chief Danny Smith said.
Tanya Casper, Kayden's aunt, said that her nephew was lured to an open field where one boy doused him with gasoline, and another set him on fire.
Kasper said that it wasn't uncommon for Kayden to be bullied by peers because of his condition.
“He wore a hearing aid, talked with a lisp… I mean, he was challenged from the get-go.” She said. “And for him to face this new challenge, it’s going to be overwhelming.
The family is calling for the arrest of the other boys who, they say, planned the attack.
“The kids are letting everyone know this was planned,” she noted.
Officials also said that the victim and the other three children involved in the incident "all knew each other" and were "all friendly with each other."
But family members tell KENS-TV that Kayden was only friends with one of the children and was not known to hang around the other two.
"They weren't friends," said Tanya Kasper, who is Kayden's aunt. "At least one of them we know about had a past with him. He didn't like Kayden."
Smith said that "based on the criteria of the law," only one of the three other kids involved has been charged with arson, a first-degree felony. He would not say whether any further charges were expected.
"As we moved forward with the interview process, we were able to determine that this juvenile that was charged was the one that introduced the accelerant to the already existing fire in the shed that precipitated the injury to the injured juvenile," Kerrville Police Chief David Knight said.
Tristyn Hatchett, Kayden's mother, said in a Facebook post that she is actively seeking legal help for Kayden. Kasper confirmed that the family is seeking a criminal attorney in the incident and is starting a petition.
Kasper said that Kayden received second-degree burns from the top of his belly button to his ear. She said his left arm is still dressed and is entirely burnt down to his hand.
Kayden remains in a medically-induced coma Thursday to alleviate the pain associated with his burns. It was not immediately clear whether Kayden was able to share his perspective on the incident before he was placed in the coma.
Kayden's family has created two fundraiser pages to help with medical costs: https://www.youcaring.com/tristyn-hatchett-662011 and https://www.gofundme.com/2sudf44.