3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Alleged Abuse and Severe Burns — Father Arrested as Police Search for His Girlfriend

A Louisiana family is mourning the death of a 3-year-old boy after he allegedly suffered severe burns and prolonged abuse while staying with his father and the father’s girlfriend. Khai Daniels was hospitalized in critical condition after reportedly going several days without proper medical treatment. Despite efforts to save him, the little boy died from his injuries, and investigators are now pursuing a criminal case against the adults accused of being responsible.

Khai’s father, 27-year-old Randy Daniels, was arrested on October 29, 2026, in connection with his son’s death. He faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to juveniles and failure to seek assistance. His bond was set at $775,000. Authorities have also issued an active arrest warrant for his girlfriend, Diamond Unique Smith, who is accused of involvement in the incident. As of November 2, police had not announced that she was in custody.

The boy’s mother, Charisma Bryant, told local CBS affiliate KSLA that she learned disturbing details after a Child Protective Services worker showed her messages allegedly exchanged between Daniels and Smith. According to Bryant, the messages discussed Khai having soiled himself and Smith saying she needed to clean him up. Bryant said the conversation also included a statement about burning the child. These messages have become a significant part of the family’s account of what allegedly happened before Khai was seriously injured.

Bryant alleged that her son suffered severe burns from the waist down but did not receive medical attention for several days. Instead, she claimed, Daniels and Smith attempted to care for his injuries themselves using ointment and disinfectant wipes. By October 27, Khai’s condition had deteriorated so badly that he had to be taken to LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Doctors placed him on a ventilator as he fought for his life, but he ultimately died from his injuries. The official autopsy had not yet been completed as of the latest report, meaning the precise medical findings had not been publicly released.

Bryant also described the heartbreak of trying to contact Daniels to get her son back. She told reporters that she repeatedly called and texted him but received no response. She had not seen Khai since early October and said she became increasingly worried when she could not reach the child’s father. Remembering her son, Bryant described him as an outgoing, affectionate little boy whose personality could brighten the room and make people smile.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish exactly what happened to Khai and determine the roles of the two adults. Daniels remains accused of serious crimes, while Smith is still wanted under an active warrant, according to the latest available report. The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the medical examiner’s findings may provide further information about the child’s final injuries. For Khai’s family, however, the loss of a young child has already left a devastating impact, with his mother seeking answers about the days leading up to his death.

Sources: Law&Crime: