A teenager who allegedly gave a 9-year-old vodka shots until he had to be hospitalized could get probation as part of an ongoing deal with the Denver District Attorney’s Office.
Tyrale Haselrig-Graham, 18, and a buddy were drinking at the victim’s home on New Year’s Eve and got the child dangerously drunk while his mother was away.
Haselrig-Graham originally faced charges of child abuse causing serious bodily injury and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Class 3 and 4 felonies, respectively. The second teen, Skyler Dematteo, also 18, still faces those charges.
But at a court appearance today, Haselrig-Graham’s public defender noted that if he pleads, he could instead face a charge of negligent child abuse, which could get him probation.
Haselrig-Graham’s mother, sister and two high school teachers sat in the audience in support of the 18-year-old, who remains in custody. The family declined to comment.
Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or jfender@denverpost.com.
