Hunter
12/28/21
An Iowa City couple was taken into custody early Tuesday on a warrant alleging physical abuse of a young child.
According to police, a medical exam was performed on the alleged victim December 10th, where old and new bruising was observed on the back of the victim’s upper legs, buttocks, lower back, and across the right torso. It is believed the bruising was caused by being repeatedly hit by an object, such as a wooden spoon.
The child reported that they would be hit with the spoon as discipline, such as when they would not eat the food that was prepared for them. Medical exam photos reportedly match up with the victim’s forensic interview report.
Both adults in the household, identified as 36-year-old Tracy Burke and 40-year-old Joseph Mulvihill, are accused of repeatedly hitting the child, with the latest incident occurring either December 6th or 7th. The couple are engaged to be married, and Mulvihill is reportedly the guardian of the child.
Warrants for the couple’s arrest were issued December 22nd; they were taken into custody early Tuesday. They face a charge of Child Endangerment causing Bodily Injury and could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted.
The couple were ordered to have no contact with the child victim.