Boy, 4, Gets Beating Because He Can't Pronounce a Word: Cops

Devon John Eason's 4-year-old son couldn't pronounce the word "four."

A Maryland man remains jailed this week after cops say he brutally beat his 4-year-old son because the boy couldn't pronounce a word.

When Devon John Eason’s son couldn’t properly say "four," authorities in the Hagerstown area say he was beaten so badly he needed to be hospitalized late last month.

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According to the Herald-Mail, the 33-year-old father has been charged with child abuse and assault.

Charging documents filed with a Washington County Court say the boy was taken to the hospital by his mother in the early morning hours of February 28.

The boy had bruises to his head and face, back, buttocks and one leg and had parts of his scalp missing where hair had been yanked out, the documents allege.

It was at the hospital where officials reportedly determined the boy's injuries were consistent with physical abuse.

Under questioning, the boy's 6-year-old brother reportedly told investigators he'd witnessed the beating.

It was after questioning the boy himself when officials say they learned of the motivation behind the beating, documents filed by cops say.

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A message left with the public defender representing Eason was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.

Eason remains held without bond, according to The Associated Press. He is due back in court in early April.

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