Utah Couple Working in Healthcare Industry Charged with Attempted Murder After 3-Year-Old Found Severely Beaten
A woman and her boyfriend, both employed in the healthcare sector, have been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a horrifying case of child abuse that left a three-year-old girl in critical condition.
Amber Leary and her boyfriend Tyrel Belone were taken into custody over the weekend in Sandy, Utah, after emergency responders discovered the toddler with life-threatening injuries. According to authorities, the child was found “brutally beaten and battered,” prompting immediate medical intervention and a criminal investigation.
The Sandy Police Department stated that first responders arrived at the residence on Friday evening after receiving a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found the girl with multiple visible injuries, including severe bruising, swelling, and signs of internal trauma. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical staff described her condition as “grave.”
“It was one of the most disturbing cases of abuse we’ve seen in recent years,” said Sgt. Greg Matthews of the Sandy Police Department. “The injuries sustained by this child were not accidental. This was a deliberate and sustained assault on a defenseless little girl.”
Investigators soon identified the child’s mother, 28-year-old Amber Leary, and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Tyrel Belone, as the primary suspects. Both individuals reportedly work in the healthcare industry — Leary as a nursing assistant and Belone as an emergency medical technician (EMT).
“It’s shocking to see people who have taken an oath to care for others accused of such a heinous crime,” said District Attorney Lisa Sanchez. “This child was supposed to be safe in her own home, protected by the people she trusted most.”
Authorities have not released details about the possible motive but confirmed that there is no evidence suggesting the injuries were caused by a fall or accident. Medical examinations concluded the abuse had occurred over a period of time, raising concerns about ongoing neglect and mistreatment.
Neighbors expressed their disbelief, stating they rarely saw the child outside and had no idea what was going on behind closed doors.
“They kept to themselves,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “I never saw anything that made me think something was wrong, but now I wish I had paid more attention.”
Child Protective Services has taken custody of the victim’s siblings, if any, and launched a broader investigation into the home environment. Officials emphasized that the top priority now is the safety and well-being of the injured child and any other children who may have been exposed to abuse.
Leary and Belone are being held without bail at the Salt Lake County Jail and face multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated child abuse, and obstruction of justice. If convicted, they could face decades in prison.
The case has reignited discussions in Utah about child protection protocols, mandatory reporting by healthcare professionals, and the urgent need for community awareness of child abuse signs.
“This is a tragedy that might have been prevented if someone had spoken up sooner,” said Karen Blakely, director of a local child advocacy center. “We urge anyone who suspects abuse to report it immediately. You could save a life.”
As of Tuesday, the three-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition, with doctors cautiously optimistic about her chances of recovery. Police continue to gather evidence, including interviews with neighbors, family members, and coworkers of the suspects.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Sandy Police Department.
