Deliberations resume Thursday in scalding death of toddler

FORT WORTH, Texas - A jury will continue deliberations Thursday for a Haltom City woman who pleaded guilty to murder in the scalding death of her 2-year-old grandson.

Patricia Flores was caring for her grandson, Lyfe “Gabe” Flores, when he was severely burned by hot water in March of last year. Flores pleaded guilty on Monday and could get five years to life in prison.

Police said the 44-year-old waited six days before getting him medical help. By that point it was too late. Gabe died a few days later in the hospital because of the burns.

Child Protective Services had placed Gabe in his grandmother’s care just a few weeks before his tragic death because his parents were having domestic issues.

The jury deliberated for nearly four hours on Wednesday afternoon, but couldn't reach a decision before the end of the day.

A burn surgeon from Parkland Hospital testified earlier in the day that Lyfe had 3rd degree burns over 20 percent of his body and that where they were located indicated someone holding the boy in the hot water. The doctor said if Lyfe had gotten medical attention immediately he would have survived.

Deliberations resume Thursday morning.