An attorney for a Snellville father accused of branding his son with a heat gun said there is no evidence his client assaulted the then 6-month-old child.
Investigators didn’t find anything when they searched Tory Gentry’s home Tuesday afternoon, hours after he appeared in court on accusations he abused his son, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Authorities arrested the 36-year-old dad Jan. 7 on accusations he left the child with a large burn on his side sometime between Jun 6 and Nov. 17, 2017, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported. The child, according to warrants, also had unexplained bruises and rib fractures and was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, a medical condition marked by insufficient weight gain.
In court Tuesday, Gwinnett County police Det. Josh Wilson testified in court that Gentry used a heat gun that led to the child’s injuries.
“The only explanation that was provided to me was that …Tory told me he was watching (the child) and (the boy) fell down the steps,” Wilson said.
But investigators said the boy had four broken ribs that occurred at different times, Channel 2 reported.
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services has taken custody of the child.
Gentry’s lawyer pointed the blame at wife Melanie, who is the primary caregiver.
On a GoFundMe page created by Melanie Gentry, denied the allegations against her and her husband and said she just wants her children back home.
Tory Gentry remains in the Gwinnett County jail charges of aggravated battery and first-degree cruelty to children.
No charges have been filed against Melanie Gentry.
— Staff writer Lauren Foreman contributed to this report.
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