Yorba Linda : Girl, 2, Burned in Tub; Mother’s Boyfriend Held

A 2-year-old girl, scalded in a bathtub, has been placed in protective custody, and her mother’s boyfriend has been arrested on suspicion of felony child abuse, authorities said.

David K. Bodiford, 31, of Yorba Linda was booked into County Jail Tuesday in connection with the scalding incident that occurred last week, said Detective David Carlock.

The girl, whose name was withheld, was taken to Orangewood, a county shelter for abused and neglected children, and is being treated for second-degree burns over 30% of her body at St. Jude Hospital in Yorba Linda, Carlock said.

Bodiford was arrested after a telephone caller on Tuesday told police that the girl had burns of a suspicious nature, Carlock said. The girl was burned by hot water in a bathtub at the home her mother shares with Bodiford, Carlock said. The mother’s name was not released, and she was not arrested.

The girl will remain at Orangewood until a court decides whether she should be returned to her mother or to her natural father, who also lives in Orange County, Carlock said.