A Highland Park man and woman faced a judge Wednesday as they were formally charged with child abuse.
According to police, it is a case of neglect as they allegedly waited days to seek medical treatment for their child who was badly burned.
Evette Latice Walker and Lenard Smith, Sr. were silent as they learned the severity of their charges while they stood before judge Brigitte Officer-Hill in court.
The pair are now charged with Second Degree Child Abuse. Their 5-year-old daughter was badly burned Friday after her sweater caught on fire when other children in a Highland Park home were playing with matches.
It is alleged Smith and Walker waited days before taking her to the hospital.
The girl suffered 3rd degree burns.
Police say while the incident may have been an accident, but they believe it is a clear case of neglect.
