Houston, Texas – A Texas man has been sentenced to 8 ½ years in prison after he beat his 6-year-old son with a belt for forgetting to bring a school folder home, prosecutors said. The sentence follows a conviction for injury to a child, marking a serious consequence for what authorities described as excessive and abusive discipline.
Case Background
Demitrius Shea Lacour, 40, was found guilty Monday of injury to a child after a first-grade student arrived at school in September 2024 with a large red bruise on his neck. A school nurse noticed additional bruises and welts across the boy’s body and immediately contacted police, prompting a full investigation.
Authorities documented six distinct injuries on the child, including 4-inch wide bruises on the neck, back, sides, and lower legs, all consistent with being struck with a belt. Investigators concluded the injuries were far beyond reasonable physical discipline as reported.
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutor Jessica Washington emphasized the extreme nature of the abuse during closing arguments:
“Did this 6-year-old deserve this? He had just started first grade. He was just learning his ABCs. Was that reasonable discipline? Is this what you would expect from a parent when this child merely forgets his take-home folder? Was a belt across his neck, back, and legs what he needed to learn to be a better student?”
Prosecutors argued that Lacour’s actions demonstrated a complete lack of remorse and avoidance of responsibility, calling the punishment abuse rather than discipline.
Defense and Trial
Lacour’s attorney, Alan Streetman, said his client was attempting to “straighten out his son” and described the incident as a “mistake.”
“Was this a mistake someone needs to go to prison for?” Streetman asked.
Jurors, however, disagreed, returning a verdict in just 30 minutes. Lacour had reportedly rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a five-year sentence, opting to go to trial instead.
Sentence and Aftermath
Lacour is now serving 8 ½ years behind bars for causing serious injury to his son. Prosecutors emphasized that the sentence reflects the severity of the abuse and the responsibility of parents to protect their children from harm.
“His attempts to justify leaving a 6-year-old child covered in bruises and welts in the shape of a buckle all over his body was not discipline, but abuse,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Conclusion
The conviction and sentencing of Demitrius Shea Lacour underscore the legal and societal limits of corporal punishment. Authorities and prosecutors reiterated that leaving a child with multiple, severe injuries constitutes criminal abuse and is punishable under the law.
Parents and caregivers are reminded that physical punishment that causes injury is illegal and subject to criminal charges. Share your experiences in the comments below to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and the importance of safe, constructive discipline.
