by Maplewood, Minnesota — A 31-year-old woman is facing felony charges after authorities say she allegedly allowed and helped plan the assault of a 10-year-old child inside her home, where police later described disturbing living conditions.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County, Amber Lynn Raymond has been charged with felony child endangerment, along with gross misdemeanor counts of malicious punishment of a child and child neglect.
The case came to light on Feb. 1 after the Maplewood Police Department received a report of a video allegedly showing a man repeatedly punching a young girl.
Alleged Assault Captured on Video
Investigators say the incident occurred at the home Raymond shared with her boyfriend, Basil Neil Woods, 25.
Police obtained a copy of the video, which allegedly shows Woods wearing a mask and lightweight boxing gloves with minimal padding entering a bedroom where the child was sleeping on the floor.
According to the complaint, Woods approached the girl and began striking her.
The complaint alleges Woods punched the child in the shoulder, buttocks and arm before striking her again in the back of the head as she cried out, “No! Ow!”
Authorities say Woods continued punching the child even after she retreated to the back of the room and pulled a blanket over her head.
The complaint further alleges Woods verbally threatened the child during the assault and struck her again in the ribs before leaving the room.
Woods was arrested on Feb. 3 and charged with gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child. A court hearing is scheduled for March 4.
Mother Allegedly Admitted Awareness
Court documents state that Raymond allegedly acknowledged she was present during the assault and was aware of what was happening.
Investigators wrote that Raymond “acknowledged awareness of the assault” and admitted she had asked Woods for help with the child.
The complaint further alleges that Raymond assisted in planning the assault, though she reportedly claimed the intent was not to cause harm and described the use of boxing gloves as “playing around.”
Raymond is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 26. She has not yet entered a plea.
Disturbing Home Conditions Described
When investigators searched the residence on Feb. 4, they described what they called unsanitary and hazardous living conditions.
- Animal fecal matter was scattered throughout the home
- Yellow urine was visible on floor tiles
- Carpeted areas contained dark, wet stains
- The home reportedly smelled of cigarettes, garbage and feces
- The kitchen was piled with dishes and decayed food
- A lock was installed on the refrigerator door
- The ceiling was leaking dirty water into pots placed below
- A baby bouncy chair was coated in dried debris
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Police also reported finding approximately 15 cats, a small dog, and a turtle in green, murky water inside the residence.
Authorities described the home as being in “complete disarray” at the time of the search.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Raymond remains charged with felony child endangerment and related counts. If convicted, she could face significant penalties under Minnesota law.
Woods also remains charged in connection with the alleged assault.
The case continues to move through the court system as investigators review evidence, including the video that prompted the initial police response.
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