A mother aged 27 years has been arrested on charges of committing serious felonies against her 2-year-old son, having beaten him continuously and filmed the crying child with visible bruises, which she sends to her son’s father who fails to respond to her calls while working.
According to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Karina Maria Burns and Colt Jonathan McNeese, both 27, of Burnsville in Dakota County were charged on July 10, 2026. Karina Burns is alleged to have vented her frustrations against the boy over a period of about two years. On the other hand, Colt McNeese has been charged with failure to protect the toddler from the abuses that he was subjected to despite knowing about it.
The case was reported on 4th June, 2026 when there was a welfare check by the Burnsville police after a report of photographs showing the abuse injuries of the toddler. The toddler was found by the police to have been bruised on his back, abdomen, sides, arms, legs, and even his head. The toddler also had stitches on his forehead.
According to the criminal complaint, Burns allegedly shook, punched, and struck the child when McNeese didn’t respond to her messages. She reportedly documented the incidents with photos and videos of the boy crying and sent them directly to the father.
Investigators reviewed more than 100,000 text messages and media files from the couple’s phones. Court records indicate at least 80 documented dates of alleged assaults between May 2024 and June 2026 at least 11 from May 2024 to April 2025, and at least 69 more from May 2025 through June 2026.
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena stated,
“What this child endured is unimaginable.”
She thanked the person who reported the concerns:
“Their willingness to act undoubtedly protected this child from further harm and may have saved the child’s life.”
Burns faces two counts of child torture, six counts of third-degree assault of a victim under 4 years old, and one count of harassment. McNeese faces two counts of child endangerment causing substantial harm.
Both stayed in Dakota County Jail as per the last reports. The bail of Burns is set at $500,000 on condition, whereas that of McNeese is set at $140,000. The appearance of Burns is scheduled to happen on July 15, 2026. Next court hearing for McNeese will be on August 5, 2026. The child is under the protection of law now.
The digital records were very important in this case. According to the prosecution, there were videos of the abused child, pictures of the injuries suffered, and texts where Burns threatened to kill him. McNeese is accused of knowing about the abuses but failing to take action.
It shows the importance of mandatory reporting and intervention by child protection agencies when there is any suspicion. Just one report seems to save many years of suffering of the child. Responsible journalism consists of stating only facts from police and prosecutor’s reports.
